Paul Emanuelli appointed Wales Students coach

Former Wales international Paul Emanuelli has been appointed head coach of the Wales Students side.

The 34-year-old will lead Wales Students through to the 2021 World Cup in England. He replaces Latham Tawhai who steps down after coaching Wales in the last two Student World Cups.

Emanuelli currently plays for Coventry Bears in League 1 and has previous played for Valley Cougars, Blackwood Bulldogs, Celtic Crusaders Colts, South Wales Hornets and South Wales Scorpions.

On being appointed Wales Students coach, he said: “I’m really pleased to have been given the opportunity to head up the Welsh Students programme over the next four years.

“This year is going to be a huge challenge as we are probably a bit late in starting and we’ll need to do a lot of work before we host this year’s Four Nations.

“Mark Jones, the previous team manager, and Latham Tawhai, have both done brilliant jobs so I know we’ve got a big task ahead to continue on from their work.

“It’s great to get back involved with rugby league in Wales.”