By Gareth James
Welsh coach Leigh Jones is heading back to the UK to take up a newly-created role of general manager of rugby at Leicester Tigers.
The former Ebbw Vale, Dragons and Wales forwards coach, who is currently general manager of rugby performance with the Hong Kong Rugby Union, will take-up his new post at the English Premiership club on May 1.
He led the Wales A programme under Graham Henry and went on to become a senior member of the Japanese support team at the 2015 Rugby World Cup alongside the now England head coach Eddie Jones and Leicester head coach Steve Borthwick.
During his time in Hong Kong, Jones also held the role of national coach and coach education manager, overseeing the rise of the national team to 22nd on the men’s World Rugby Rankings. That makes them the second-highest ranked team in Asia behind Japan.
Hong Kong are also the current holders of the Asia Rugby Championship, while their women’s side are on the verge of securing a place in a second successive Rugby World Cup.
Jones will join fellow Welshman, Aled Walters, who is head of physical performance at the Tigers.
“The opportunity to assume the general manager role with an organisation like Leicester Tigers does not come along often, and was one that I could not turn down,” said Jones.
“I’m eager to take on this challenge and thankful for the encouragement I have received from present and former players, staff and board members at the Hong Kong Rugby Union,” said Jones.
“I’ve seen a lot of very good, young, bright coaches come through and Steve Borthwick is one of the best I have worked with. He is innovative, good on his feet, has a tremendous work ethic and has a good connection with the players.”
“What has resonated with me is that there is a real common cause and goal among people at the club to get Leicester Tigers back to the top.”
Leicester Tigers chief executive Andrea Pinchen said: “Leigh is a world-class, experienced operator who we are excited to be welcoming to the club.
“In the new role Leigh will oversee the entire rugby programme’s operations, with a big-picture view as to where this club wants and needs to get to.”