Wales happy with head coach applicants

The Wales Rugby League has revealed that it is very happy with the quality of the applicants for the vacant head coach’s role.

Wales are looking to build towards the 2017 World Cup, following the departure of Iestyn Harris from the post.

“The fantastic profile and excitement from last year’s World Cup has provided international rugby league with some great momentum to build upon and this now vacant position has interested many,” said WRL Chairman Brian Juliff.

“We are presently reviewing an encouraging number of quality candidates for the role of head coach and we expect to make an announcement on the appointment towards the beginning of July.

“We have a strong senior squad that needs to get back to winning ways and the new head coach will need to identify those areas of improvement necessary to turn this talented young team into a match-winning outfit.

“The successful candidate will be given the important task of preparing our boys for this autumn’s European Championships which will lay the foundation for Rugby League World Cup 2017.”

The Welsh game has looked to invest heavily in youth development work in recent years, which is no beginning to pay off.

“We believe there will be a strong emerging group of quality players to strengthen our current squad,” Juliff added.

“And with the support of Wigan Warriors we will also be announcing a new head of youth to partner the chosen head coach on our journey into the future.

“We are thrilled with the candidates that have so far applied for both positions and have no doubt we can find two fine coaches that will match and share our ambitions.

“These are important appointments and it is vital that the persons chosen can demonstrate excellent leadership skills to match a successful coaching CV.

“We are in the process of very positive change at WRL and the future is very bright.”