Wales Rugby League are delighted to announce the appointment of David Elliott as a Non-Executive Director.
He brings more than three decades of experience in rugby league as a player, coach, educator and high-performance leader, adding a wealth of expertise in coaching, player development and governance to the Wales Rugby League Board.
Currently the Head of Coaching & Education at the Rugby Football League, a role that he will continue with, Elliott leads the governing body’s coaching, education and coach development programmes, overseeing the development of coaches at every level of the game.
Prior to his current role, he spent 10 years as Head of England National Pathways, providing the strategic leadership for England’s player pathway programmes across U16s, U18s, England Knights and the Women’s programme. During this time, he also enjoyed success as head coach of England Academy, leading the side to series victories in 2010 and 2018, while overseeing academy tours in 2012 and 2016.
Elliott began his professional rugby league career with Warrington as a player, making 36 first team appearances and also winning one cap for Cumbria against the touring Australian Kangaroos in 1994.
As the Super League era began, he moved into coaching and performance management, serving as Performance Manager at Warrington Wolves and later assistant first team coach.
On his appointment, David Elliott said: “Rugby league has been a huge part of my life since my dad first introduced me to the sport when I was five years old, and that passion has never left me.
“The opportunity to help Wales Rugby League continue to grow and develop is something I am incredibly excited and honoured to be part of. I look forward to helping shape the future of the organisation and supporting the continued development of the game across Wales.
“Throughout my career I have worked in leadership, management and coach development roles across elite rugby league, helping to build high-performing teams, coaching systems and development programmes. I hope to bring that experience to the Board while supporting athletes, coaches, staff and volunteers at every stage of the rugby league pathway.
“I am passionate about creating environments where people can develop, succeed and achieve their potential, and I look forward to working alongside my fellow Board members to help Wales Rugby League continue moving forward.”
Wales Rugby League chairman, James Davies, said: “We are delighted to welcome David to the Board. His knowledge of rugby league is impressive at every level of the game. What makes him even more impressive is his continued passion for helping to grow a sport he clearly loves, which is critical to delivering our strategy.
“David has dedicated his career to helping others grow and succeed, whether they are players, coaches or support staff. That commitment to developing people aligns perfectly with our vision for Wales Rugby League, and we look forward to the expertise and insight he will bring to the Board.
“As a Non-Executive Director, David will complement the Board by providing valuable insight into both the professional and community pathways, which are key pillars of our strategy. We all look forward to welcoming him to the Board.”
As a Non-Executive Director, Elliott will support the strategic direction of Wales Rugby League, contributing his extensive experience in coaching, education, leadership and organisational development to help grow the game and build sustainable success for the future.
