The University of Wales Trinity Saint David’s Academy of Sport is proud to announce that Ken Owens, Scarlets, Lions and current Wales Captain has joined the Men’s Rugby Club coaching staff.

Ken is no stranger to the University, having been awarded an Honorary Fellowship in his hometown of Carmarthen during the summer of 2019. One day, hopefully not too soon, Ken will think about life after playing rugby, and has recently started studying for his WRU coaching awards. As part of this process, he is looking to gain experience within the coaching field.

Ken has accepted a voluntary role as a member of the coaching staff with the Academy of Sport and will oversee the forwards at the University's rugby club, whilst sharing his vast knowledge to the players.

Before Ken embarks on his journey as Captain for the Six Nations tournament, he said:

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to start my coaching journey at UWTSD. One I’m hugely looking forward to working with everyone at the University. It’s exciting times at the Academy of Sport, and hopefully, I can add value to its development, and help the students reach their potential on and off the field.”

Gareth Potter, UWTSD’s Academy of Sport Head of Rugby, welcomed the exciting appointment.

“Once I was told by the WRU that Ken was working towards his coaching badges, I immediately got in touch with him. I had the pleasure of working with Ken for many years previously and the chance of adding him to our coaching staff at this exciting time for the University was a great opportunity. Ken embodies everything that the University, and rugby at the University, stands for – Welshness, community and excellence. He has already made a big impact in the sessions he has run, and we are looking forward to welcoming him back after he leads Wales through this year’s Six Nations.”

The University’s Head of Academy of Sport, Lee Tregoning, adds:

 “We are very grateful for Ken giving up his valuable time to be part of Gareth's coaching staff for the Men's Rugby Club. He has supported the University on many things in the past and this is another example of him giving back to the local community he represents. The players are hugely excited in working with Ken going forward. It is also a huge coup for the Academy of Sport to have someone of his calibre working with our students.”