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Robert Jones
CoachAlso plays for
Wrexham 2nd XVBiography
Q1 - What motivated you to coach Wrexham RFC.I believe it was always going to be my destiny to coach here at Wrexham at some stage in my life. I spent all my youth and up to the age of 24 playing at Wrexham mostly under Gwyn Harries. He was my idol when I was younger, he always got the best out of me. I want to carry his spirit on and make Wrexham RFC the best club in North Wales.
Q2 - What is your coaching history?
I started coaching in the last couple of years of my playing career around 2009/2010 with my unit in the Army 1st The Queen’s Dragoon Guards. They are an exceptionally good side and always have been, the rugby in the army is as competitive as in our leagues. I was scouted to become the British Army Germany forwards coach after success in the league and cup with QDG. BAG played international teams in Europe such as Germany, Holland, Austria, Denmark, and Luxemburg. These games were build-up games to their World cup rankings qualification.
From having success as Forwards coach I moved up to head coach and eventually was selected to become the Army ‘A’ head coach for all the British Army, alongside this role I was selected to be United Kingdom Armed Forces u23’s Head coach and had 2 very successful years in both roles. I have now been selected to be the Senior Army team Forwards coach after working with them last season as scrum coach.
Out of the Army we moved back as a unit to the UK in 2015 I immediately took the job of Head Coach at Dereham RFC, this got them promotion in the first year. From there a helped Swanage and Wareham as a coach advisor, a top 2 finish for them and the Dorset and Wilts county cup.
Q3 - When did you first take up playing rugby?
I started playing at Wrexham mini’s when I was 12, I then had my first game for Wrexham youth at the age of 16, we lost 110-0 against Mold!!! I then progressed into senior rugby played 2nds and first team rugby. I also represented North Wales and the Welsh Districts.
Q4 - Who were your inspirations?
As stated, earlier Gwyn Harries was my true inspiration along with people like Mike Shone and Andy Edwards. Maybe even Huw Davies! Internationally Dai Young!
Q5 - Who is the best player you have ever coached?
There are 2 people that spring to mind, they are both at Premiership clubs in the Gallagher Premiership. Firstly, Lewis Bean a Cpl from the Rifles unit, he is 6ft 10 inches an absolute machine, he currently plays for Northampton Saints and has made around 6 appearances from the start this season one to watch. Then a young man called Lloyd Wheeldon when I was UKAF coach I noticed him, a scrum half great skill a Wigan lad with a great pass on him, he is currently on the books with Harlequins and learning his trade with Danny Care.
Q6 - Which part of being a coach do you find most rewarding?
I am a humble man, being a coach is not about me it is about the team I coach, if they are successful, happy!! And enjoying their rugby plus learning something, this is the drive I need.
Q7 - What is the most successful team you have been part of and why was it successful?
For me it would be the UKAF u23 team, we won back to back games against a combined Oxford and Cambridge teams 2 years in succession. I was successful because from day one they bought into the game plan and ethos I wanted and that was to play for themselves and each other the best they can every time they wear the shirt!
Q8 - Where did your coaching journey begin?
With my unit in the Army I was injured, snapped my achillies in the scrum and I was forced into retirement, I took up coaching immediately.
Q9 - If we asked one of our players to describe your qualities as a coach what would they say?
That is a question you can ask in May 2021!!
Q10 - What superpower would you have?
The ability to understand Generation Z!!
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