Cardiff-based Idris Evans has been appointed as the new Wales Rugby League National Development Manager to continue the game’s domestic growth.

Evans, 35, is a Welsh speaker and has a long association with Rugby League in Wales having spent 10 years with Cardiff Demons RLFC and in various voluntary roles with the National Governing Body, such as being a coach of the international junior teams and spending over three years on the WRL Board.

WRL Board Member, Chris Thair said: “We are delighted that Idris has joined the executive team. Everything from being an ex PE teacher, development officer and programme manager for councils, sets him up ideally to make a real difference to the sport in Wales.

“Thankfully he is also already well respected within the WRL family due to his time with Cardiff Demons and as an ex-board member of Wales Rugby League, so he will no doubt hit the ground running.

“Idris will now lead on the growth of the community here in Wales. Following on from a very good 2015 where we were crowned European Champions, grew participation and strengthened our financial reserves, everyone is very excited in what 2016 and Idris will bring to this ever improving National Governing Body.”

Evans, who was player, coach and eventual Chairman at Cardiff Demons said: “I’m delighted to have been offered the role and working across Wales to continue the fine work that Mark Jones and the rest of the WRL staff have been doing in recent times.

“Having been involved with Wales Rugby League for so long, to be able to work full time in the sport is a dream come true and I’m looking forward to working with such passionate people who give up so much of their spare time to develop the community game.

“Having seen the support for the senior side winning the European Cup at the tail end of last year, Rugby League in Wales is in a great position to grow and I’m thrilled to be able to build on that success.”