· Gustafson will step up from current forwards coach to take over head coaching duties
· This year he has led Swansea University to the Super BUCS league for the first time.
Swansea RFC are pleased to announce that Hugh Gustafson will step up his responsibilities to take over as Head coach for the 2019/20 season, after Richard Lancaster confirmed his departure a few weeks ago.
The experienced 33 -year old former hooker will take the next step on the coaching ladder that has seen him coach Wales Women, Swansea University and previously Tumble RFC. This season Gus has played a leading role in securing Swansea Universities place at the top table of University rugby, as well as playing a key role in securing Swansea’s Premiership safety and inclusion in next seasons competition.
“Swansea is a club with a fantastic history that have had some great players and coaches down the years” Gustafson said after being confirmed as the new Head Coach.
“The opportunity to lead the coaching set up is an exciting challenge. With 12 years’ experience as a professional rugby player and now an emerging coaching career, I hope to be able guide and provide worthwhile advice and support to the players coming through the Whites set up”
The club are also delighted to confirm that Ben Lewis, Nick Roberts and Liam Carperner-Jones have agree to continue as coaches at the club for next season and provide Gus with their experience and support.
Keith Colclough, Managing Director at Swansea, said:
“Gus has made a positive impact on our environment over the past 2 years and is driving really high standards which the forwards have responded to. Gus is developing as a coach and we have seen how he has recently led Swansea University and played a key role at International level. The club is pleased to be able to support him in his next steps and being able to give him the opportunity to experience a new role as Head Coach. Gus has brought a professional feel to the way he has coached the forwards and we look forward in watching how this develops across the whole squad over the coming season.
According to Gustafson, 2 years on from his switch to the Whites, this opportunity to gain a new experience has come at the right time;
“Personally, I’m always looking to learn from whatever I’m doing. Working with Swansea, Swansea Uni and Wales has developed me as a coach and I am continuing to learn all of the time. I’m looking forward to continue to work with Ben, Nick and Liam and challenging this squad to improve”
“I would also like to thank Richard Lancaster for bringing me on board in the first instance and supporting me in my development”