By David Williams
Ceri Jones is to stand down as head coach of Rygbi Gogledd Cymru (RGC) at the end of this season.
RGC were 20-15 winners away to Carmarthen Quins in their most recent match, but have had a difficult season and currently stand third from bottom of the Indigo Premiership, although they do have games in hand on the clubs above them.
“I have nothing but positive words to say about Ceri,” said RGC general manager, Alun Pritchard.
“He is a true gentleman who has helped create a positive working environment across the region and sacrificed a lot in the interests of RGC.
“However, I feel it is the right time for change, with new emphasis and a fresh approach, particularly with the revitalised proposed EDC league structure.
“RGC will continue to fight for the remainder of the season, and I have full faith in Ceri, as the true professional he is, to give his all and help RGC finish as high up the league table as possible whilst continuing to develop our young squad.”
𝗛𝗘𝗔𝗗 𝗖𝗢𝗔𝗖𝗛 𝗝𝗢𝗡𝗘𝗦 𝗧𝗢 𝗗𝗘𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗧 𝗔𝗧 𝗘𝗡𝗗 𝗢𝗙 𝗦𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗢𝗡
RGC has today announced that by mutual agreement Head Coach Ceri Jones will leave his current position at the end of this season.
Full statement on the website https://t.co/pzjAfa1OEF pic.twitter.com/qap1Zz3z55
— RGCnews🏉 (@RGCNews) March 18, 2024
Former Dragons forwatds coach Jones joined RGC in September 2021 and feels now is the “right time to explore new opportunities.”
He added: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with RGC and I’m extremely proud of the player development that has taken place during my time here with the likes of Efan Jones and Brodie Coghlan going on to achieve professional contracts.
“I’ll do all I can now to ensure we have a positive finish to the season, and I can’t thank the players and the staff enough for all their time and effort during the past three years.”
Pritchard added: “We will be going out to advert in the near future to find the next head coach who will help continue the development of rugby for RGC and across North Wales.”
Heno, 5.30pm Ar @S4C@LlanelliRFC v @RGC1404
@IndigoGroupPrem@S4Cchwaraeon@ywasgS4Cpress
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Ceri Jones Backs RGC And Their Nine-Hour Club To Match Any Level Of Commitment Their Indigo Prem Rivals Can Throw At Them https://t.co/R9UQwx2qDK via @Dai_Sport_— Dai Sport (@Dai_Sport_) January 3, 2022