WRU appoints Long from FA as technical director

Rhys Long has been appointed technical director by the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU).

Long will return to Welsh rugby in April having previous lead the national team's analysis nine years under Warren Gatland.

During that time between 2007 and 2016, Wales won two Grand Slams and a Six Nations title, Long also twice toured with the British & Irish Lions.

Originally from Porthcawl, he left the WRU to take the role of head of performance analysis at the Football Association where he worked with England managers Gareth Southgate and Thomas Tuchel.

As technical director, Long will be responsible for designing and delivering performance strategies across both the men's and women's games for both the national and regional teams.

He will also play a key role in any national coaching appointments.

Long said he wanted to develop a "uniquely Welsh performance model and DNA" to restore a winning mentality across the game in Wales.

He added: "This is an important time to join Welsh rugby, we are in a period of transition but bold steps towards a successful future have already been taken."

WRU director of rugby Dave Reddin said: "Rhys will play a key role in defining and embedding a Welsh rugby DNA in the principles of how we play, coach and our Welsh identity across both our men's and women's pathways and senior teams."