With Craig Everett joining the Wales under-20 coaching team for the Six Nations campaign, former British and Irish Lions lock, Ian Evans, will fill his shoes at the Arms Park, linking up with Cardiff RFC for the coming weeks, the former Ospreys and Wales second row also heading up the under-16 North set-up for the season.
Having hung up his boots in 2017, the 33-times capped forward has gained coaching experience with roles at Treorchy RFC and Dragons and has already began his work with the Blue and Blacks.
Reacting to the news, Gruff Rees said: “First of all, we want to wish Craig the very best over the next few weeks. It will be brilliant experience for him.
“We’ve already seen how it can really benefit both the club and the coach with the likes of Gethin Jenkins and TRT having similar roles in recent seasons so we’re excited for Craggs.
“We’re proud of the way he’s developed as a coach over the last few years, first with the under-18 group and more recently with the academy and the Rags. He will no doubt bring a lot to the Wales under-20 group but will also be able to take a lot from the experience.
“It’s also great to welcome Ian Evans into the set-up. As a former Wales international, he has a wealth of top class experience to bring into the group but also has a great personality and bags of energy.
“It’s been great to see his input with Cardiff RFC to date, but his work with the under-16 north side will also be crucial. He’s already gained some valuable coaching experience so is a valuable addition while Craggs is with Wales under-20.”