Garry Dunn will head up the coaching staff for our under 18s in 2025 – a coaching setup that includes former international Ben Evans.
Dunn has been involved in the sport as a player and coach for 35 years, including seven years as Head Coach of the Royal Air Force rugby league side, and spent time as Head Coach of the UK Armed Forces. Outside of his involvement with the military, Dunn had two years as an Assistant Coach for Oxford during their time in League One.
He will be assisted by Evans, who signed for Warrington Wolves as a 16-year old. The Bridgend-born prop has represented his country in three World Cups, including in 2022. His club career included spells at Bradford Bulls, London Broncos, Toulouse Olympique, Barrow Raiders and North Wales Crusaders.
Scott O’Kelly will be Dunn’s other Assistant Coach. O’Kelly has previously coached Wales under 16s in 2003, and reignited his involvement in the sport in 2022, establishing Swansea Rams to provide opportunities for youngsters in the area to play rugby league.
As a player, he played six times for Celtic Crusaders in 2006, and won nine caps for Wales Dragonhearts – the representative team of the community game in Wales. He also turned out for Wales Students, Welsh Universities, West Wales and GB Students.
Huddersfield Giants Women Assistant Coach, Rich Tillotson makes up the coaching staff.
Andy Perry will provide medical support, with over 25 years’ worth of experience in amateur and professional clubs.
Garry said: “I’m really excited to help develop the next generation of Welsh Rugby League athletes and help to give them opportunities within the sport.
“I see our mandate as providing the players with a performance environment that stimulates development whilst forming a key part of the Wales Rugby League International pathway. Not all players can make it to first team level, however we can try to give them all the opportunities to do so.”
The under 18s are in action on Saturday as part of a double-header at The Lextan Gnoll. Both the under 18s (3pm) and under 16s (11am) face Ireland in the opening game of the Four Nations 2025.
