Wales Rugby League has appointed Swansea Rams’ and Wales junior coach Scott O’Kelly as their new Head of Youth.
O’Kelly brings almost 30 years of experience in the game in Wales, having been involved at grassroots, professional and international level as both a player and coach.
As a player, O’Kelly represented several Welsh sides, including Aberavon Fighting Irish, Cardiff Demons Academy, Wales Students, West Wales and GB Students. He won nine caps for the Wales Dragonhearts and also played professionally for Celtic Crusaders in 2006, making six appearances, and turned out for Lancashire Lynx.
His coaching career has included more than two decades of involvement in the Welsh national pathway. He first coached Wales U16s in 2003 and has since worked with the Wales U19s and U18s as an assistant coach. In 2022, he also founded Swansea Rams, and more recently helped to set up a youth partnership between WRL and Hull FC.
In recent years, much of his work has focused on creating opportunities for young players, supporting grassroots clubs and developing clearer pathways towards the professional and international game.
He said: “I’m incredibly proud and honoured to take on this role. Having been involved in rugby league in Wales for almost 30 years, it means a great deal to me.
“I’m passionate about developing opportunities for young players, supporting our clubs and coaches, and creating clear pathways from grassroots rugby league through to representing Wales.
“We have some fantastic people working tirelessly across the country, particularly our volunteers, coaches, parents and club officials, and their contribution is vital to the future of our sport.
“There is huge potential for rugby league in Wales, and I’m excited to work with everyone involved to build on the progress already made and ensure the next generation has even greater opportunities.”
