Wales Rugby League National Development Manager, Mark Jones got back to the Coach Education side of his role last weekend on his two visits to community clubs.

His trips to Cardiff Blue Dragons and Bridgend Blue Bulls were to assess two female and one male who were all on the Rugby League European Federation’s Level 1 Rugby League coaching qualification.

Saturday saw the Welsh summer weather show its true colours with the heavens opening up. Undeterred, current Wales women’s international captain Rafiuke Taylor and her international team-mate Charlie Mundy adapted well to the conditions and delivered some excellent coaching sessions with all the junior players enjoying the session.

Sunday, with umbrella in hand, Mark headed to Kenfig Hill RFC to assess Neil Lewis who delivered an excellent session to the Blue Bulls’ senior players. COVID-19 restrictions didn’t stop the action following, again all involved were enthused after the modified competitive game which finished the session.

Jones said: “After delivering the coaching course in February, COVID-19 has not allowed any of the 15 newly qualified coaches the chance to complete the coursework. I’m so pleased that the clubs are now back in training and that all candidates can now be signed off and achieve the full award over the next few weeks.

“I am looking forward to working with them all and they have all shown huge interest in moving through the WRL Coaching Pathway.”