WRU announce major new appointment in £160,000 role as Gatland's man returnsThe WRU have made a key appointment as a familiar face returns to Welsh rugbyView Image Rhys Long, right, with Warren Gatland (Image: Getty Images)One of English football’s leading analysts, Rhys Long, has been appointed as the Welsh Rugby Union's new technical director. ‌Long joins Welsh rugby from the role of Head of Performance Analysis and Technical Insights at the Football Association and brings over 20 years of experience at the highest level in sport. ‌His new job comes with a salary of up to £160,000 a year and he will report directly to elite performance director Dave Reddin. ‌“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,” he said. “As a passionate Welshman, Rhys is emotionally invested in the journey we are on and brings a unique combination of skills and experiences which I believe will significantly enhance our capability, capacity and connection across the Welsh rugby system."

Source: Daily Mirror February 26, 2026 19:41 UTC