Wales Rugby League have confirmed the appointment of Matthew Pritchard as the new permanent North Wales Development Officer.
Pritchard was previously employed by Crusaders in 2008 as Community Development Manager and was with the club for three and half years.
Whilst with the Crusaders he made a huge impact and has given over 9,000 people the opportunity to play Rugby League and is known for his hard work and dedication towards the game in Wales.
Pritchard, who hails from Bristol, started his career in Rugby League through a two week work experience with Leeds Rhinos as part of his BA Honours Sport and Recreational Degree. Whilst studying he became a volunteer assistant community coach at Leeds Rhinos for a year and a half and after gaining his degree he then achieved his relevant Rugby League coaching qualifications and worked as a volunteer in London alongside Harlequins and South London Storm Rugby League clubs.
Whilst in London he played a few games for South London Storm and at the London MX9s event against Serbia. He received his first paid job in Rugby League, coaching schools in build up to the Cheltenham schools festival, then went on to achieve his first full time paid job with Crusaders as Community Development Manager.
He is now looking forward to this new challenge and Wales Rugby League is excited with this new development.
Pritchard said: “I am really excited with this new challenge and thoroughly enjoyed my time and the experience I gained at the Crusaders, not forgetting working with and meeting fantastic people along the way. This is the right step in my development and look forward to helping develop the game across North Wales and already planning for some exciting new developments to grow the game.”
Mark Jones said: “On behalf of Wales Rugby League, I would like to welcome Matt to the team. I am very excited to have him as a Development Officer in North Wales. When at Crusaders, his work in the community was exemplary and the legacy that he has created in North Wales can now continue.”