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Rugby Union

Maw gets Wales elite post

03/01/2008

Graeme Maw has been named as elite performance director of the Wales national rugby team.

He and new head of rugby development Nigel Davies will work alongside recently-appointed coach Warren Gatland in shaping the future of Welsh rugby.

A statement from the Welsh Rugby Union said that the triumvirate have been tasked with identifying, nurturing and refining talented youngsters into "polished international stars".

Maw, 43, was previously elite performance director at the British Triathlon Association and has been involved in five Olympic and Commonwealth games.

His impressive credentials are strengthened further by a doctorate in exercise physiology, a masters degree in sports physiology and an honours degree in sports science and recreational management.

He said he was "delighted" to be joining the Welsh Rugby Union.

"Welsh rugby is more than a team and a stadium and I feel privileged to be part of it in a role which can help it aspire to reach great heights in the future," Maw said.

"In elite sport you have to be at the forefront of all that high-performance management can provide to achieve success and I know I can put in place systems and a culture which will improve the performance of our best players.

"I have already started detailed discussions with Nigel and I know we will be able to use our complimentary skills to create positive results. I want to be the best at what I do and becoming the elite performance director for Welsh rugby is a fantastic opportunity for me."

Davies, who had previously fulfilled the post of Welsh caretaker coach, said he was "thrilled and honoured" at his new role.

"I have clear views on what needs to be done and how to achieve my goals which I have already shared with Graeme," the former Wales international explained.

"The work has begun."