Aberavon Fighting Irish head coach Dean Scully has been appointed head coach of the Wales Students rugby league side, replacing Clive Griffiths who stepped down at the end of this season’s campaign.
Scully brings extensive experience of Welsh rugby league to the role, both as a player and coach, having represented Wales Students and enjoyed a successful playing career with Aberavon Fighting Irish, Celtic Crusaders and South Wales Scorpions. He captained Aberavon in the first Wales Rugby League Grand Final in 2003.
He represented Wales Students on 12 occasions, making his debut in 2003 Four Nations in Scotland and then helping Wales to win that tournament at home in 2004. He was then part of the squad that competed in the 2005 Student Rugby League World Cup in Brisbane.
Since becoming a coach, he guided Aberavon Fighting Irish to back-to-back JES Group Rugby League Conference Grand Final titles in 2024 and 2025. He has previously coached West Wales and worked with the Wales Dragonhearts, as well as assisting with the Wales Men’s A and senior squads.
His appointment provides the Wales Students programme with a coach who understands the student game from personal experience while also bringing a proven record of developing and leading players within the Welsh community game.
Scully said: “It’s a great privilege to be given the opportunity to head up the Wales Student programme. The programme is something that is close to my heart, as it gave me my first opportunity to play this great game.
“I have big shoes to fill after Clive has decided to step back from his role, but I hope that I can use my experience to develop the squad and also pay a little bit back to Student Rugby League.
“Student Rugby League brought me many memories and opportunities I will forever be thankful for. I can’t wait to get started on bringing the next crop of talent through, and I’m already looking forward to the competitive games against Ireland, Scotland and then England.
“I will be joined by Jarad Vanagas, Rob Apsee and Gareth Groves, who are all staying on board. This will bring some continuity, as they have worked with some of the returning players in previous years. Plus, we’re strengthening our team: Ben Jackson brings outstanding S&C expertise to our coaching group, and together we will build a Wales side that is strong, skilled, and ready for the challenge.”
The Wales Students programme forms an important part of the international pathway, providing university players with the opportunity to represent their country while continuing their development within rugby league.
To apply for a trial for the Wales Students squad, please go to https://wrl.wales/wales-students-2026-27-programme-kicks-off
