• Kevin James joins Swansea RFC coaching set up as backs coach
• Hugh Gustafson to combine role as head coach and forwards coach, supported by Liam Capener Jones, Ben Lewis and JP Bevan
Swansea RFC are excited to announce the arrival of Kevin James as new backs coach for the upcoming season.
James is a familiar face in the rugby community having spent the past six years in a combined player/coach role at Skewen RFC. In the 15 years previous to this, James played 10 seasons at Neath RFC, two with the Cornish Pirates and a stint with Newport Gwent Dragons. For our avid supporters, you may also remember Kevin James from way back in 1997 when he donned the Whites jersey for a season!In the Wales jersey, James had played within the Wales 7s set up , Wales U21’s, Wales Students, captained the Welsh collages side, Wales U18s and Wales U16s.
On the coaching front, in addition to his role at Skewen, James has significant experience of coaching within the Ospreys age grade set ups, having been head coach for two seasons with the Ospreys U18s, and three seasons as backs coach winning two RAG competitions. Kevin has also fronted the role of head coach for Ospreys U16s east, and the combined Ospreys U16 side in 2014-2016.
With his playing boots now hung up, and his coaching boots safely on, James said, “Firstly I would like to place on record how excited and honoured I feel to be joining such a juggernaut of rugby! Furthermore it is somewhat of a returning for me as Swansea RFC was where I had my first taste as a player of senior rugby!
Additionally over a long playing/coaching career I have regularly experienced how passionate and committed everyone associated with ‘The Whites’ are and I look forward to hopefully experiencing this further in the near future! Moreover I am familiarly with many of the coaching staff and players and I am very much looking forward to working with them and adding some value to an already exciting and successful environment!”
Head coach Hugh Gustafson added; “Kevin comes in with a career playing in regional and Pemiership rugby, with a great coaching background coaching at Ospreys RAG and Skewen. Kevin has a wealth of knowledge of young players at clubs within the region who have come through the age grade system, some of which are now at Swansea RFC. With a good character and a rounded knowledge of coaching, we are pleased to have Kevin on board with us this season.”