New Forwards Coach Phil Davies has spoken of his delight in returning to professional club rugby at Worcester Warriors and set out his plans to help breed a winning and successful culture at Sixways.
Former Scarlets and Leeds boss Davies has today officially joined Warriors from his position at the WRU as Wales Under-20s coach and National Academy Manager and will start his work alongside Head Coach Richard Hill in early August.
Davies boasts an outstanding record in club rugby following his success at Leeds and is delighted to join the team at Warriors – a club he admits he has always followed closely and admired.
“I really appreciate the opportunity to return to professional coaching with the Warriors and can’t wait to get started. I have a huge passion for coaching and believe I can achieve something special at Sixways,” he said.
“Worcester Warriors are a club I know very well after my time with Leeds Tykes. I have even coached at Sixways before having led the National Divisions XV against South Africa A back in 2000, so hopefully that is a good sign.
“It is a club I have always admired from a distance with how it’s grown and how the Chairman, Cecil Duckworth, has supported and driven the club forward.
“You just go back through the names, people like Phil Maynard, Les Cusworth, John Brain and Mike Ruddock, and can see all the top coaches that have worked at Sixways.
“I hope that I am now able to build with Richard Hill on all the work that all these guys have done and try to bring consistency and success back to Warriors.
“I see this as a long-term project to bring good times to Worcester, for the players, for the coaching team and ultimately the fans who deserve it.
“If you had asked me to pick one club to return to professional rugby with it would be Worcester, you couldn’t ask for a better club and set-up and the potential is massive.”
Davies will start his work at Warriors in August after the club agreed terms with WRU for his early release from his contract with the Union.
And the former Wales Test star can hardly wait to get to work on the set of forwards at his disposal at Sixways.
“I’m looking forward to really getting stuck in with the boys,” added Davies. “There is a lot of experience in the team, a really good balance in the squad between good ball winning forwards and good ball users who can carry strongly.
“There is a balance in the pack and I hope that I can add a new dimension and bring something to every player and make them better.
“There is a lot to work on before the season starts. The breakdown is going to be a big focus area, with and without the ball as we prepare for Championship rugby.
“I have missed the day to day interaction with the players since I left Scarlets, I kept my hand in with Cardiff and the Wales Under-20s but this is an exciting time for me.
“I feel that I have something to prove in some ways and I couldn’t be happier than to come to Warriors.”
Davies will now become the right hand man of Head Coach Hill as the duo finally team up after initially becoming good friends while taking the RFU Level 5 course.
The new Forwards Coach at Warriors shares the same plans to develop and breed the right culture at Warriors.
However, he acknowledges that success on the pitch this season is crucial and revealed his respect for the level of competition the club will face in the RFU Championship.
“Richard and I used to hit each other pretty hard when it was Bath versus Llanelli or England against Wales,” laughed Davies.
“I always had huge respect for him as a player and then got to know him as a coach. We got to know each other well, during our times at Leeds and Bristol, and built up a relationship. When I left the Scarlets I would often go to see him at Bristol and just chat rugby.
“We had mentioned in the past that it would be really good to work together in the future and so I’m delighted that is now happening.
“We both clearly believe it’s about developing the culture as a whole at the club – not just about on the field.
“Many people think that it is just about having a successful team, but have to look at the bigger picture and the fans, the sponsors, the families and the players.
“You want to be part of a positive environment and enjoy coming to work -ultimately you then create a winning mentality.
“It’s a massive challenge this season – we all know that,” he added. “Since my time in Leeds the Championship teams and the level of competition has improved immeasurably.
“You only have to look at the likes of Exeter and what they created and teams like Bristol, London Welsh and Nottingham, the lost just goes on and on.
“It’s a big test and one that Richard and I are not under estimating. I have spoken to the Richard about it and he has told me how the squad at Sixways are under no illusions but also hugely motivated for the job ahead.
“We will manage the players and make sure there is no complacency, we will build the foundations this season for success and ultimately this year is all about making sure we get promotion.
“Now that this is complete I want to thank the WRU and in particular Joe Lydon, Roger Lewis, David Pickering and the Board, along with all my colleagues at the National Centre of Excellence,” he added.
“I’ve been 100% committed to my roles here over the past two years, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every minute and also learnt an immense amount. I’d also like to thank our partners within the Regions and the Premiership clubs who supported the National Academy concept and the Under 20 programmes we put into place.
“It has been a very difficult decision to leave the WRU but I have a huge passion for coaching and hope one day to coach Wales. With this in mind, I’m greatly appreciative of Worcester Warriors who have given me the opportunity to return to professional coaching, and to the WRU for considering and granting my request to do so.”
Davies leaves the WRU with immediate effect following an agreement with Worcester to facilitate the early release from his contract with the Union.
Joe Lydon, WRU Head of Rugby Performance and Development said: “Phil is a highly experienced and accomplished coach and I am sure he will make a great success of his new venture.
“He leaves with all our best wishes and sincere gratitude for the excellent contribution he has made, both operationally and strategically within the WRU as National Academy Manager and as head coach to the Wales Under 20 squad during the last two seasons.
“I remain confident that the structures and systems Phil has helped put in place will benefit the game in Wales for years to come.
“Phil's departure provides an opportunity to take stock of the operations of the Performance and Development department, to review our programmes of delivery within the performance pathway and strategically plan how best we enhance all areas of delivery going forward.”
WRU Group Chief Executive, Roger Lewis, added: “Phil leaves with our best wishes. While we are sad to see him go, I am pleased that we were able to conclude a swift and successful negotiation with Worcester Warriors for the release of Phil from his WRU contract.”