In perhaps what is one of the most important developments in local rugby for some years Jim Salisbury, former Wales Youth International player, Ruthin Rugby Club 1st team head coach and WRU North Wales Participation Officer, has been appointed Rugby Development Officer at Ysgol Brynhyfryd.

The creation of Rugby Development Officer posts was one of the key recommendations of Josh Lewsey’s review of rugby strategy in 2013. The WRU will part-fund these posts for 3 years with the aim of revitalising rugby in Welsh schools and providing a link to local clubs and wider WRU support programmes.

The success of the programme is also dependent on very significant investment and commitment by Ysgol Brynhyfryd and Ruthin Rugby Club.

The Rugby Development Officer will be responsible for promoting the development and playing of rugby union football within the school and the local club, maximising participation in extra-curricular rugby for all pupils and delivering the WRU rugby curriculum for all abilities. The benefits to the School are considerable enabling development of school’s teams to compete in schools leagues, access to top quality coaching and WRU programmes of player development and support of the school’s academic programme.

Ruthin Rugby Club are fully supporting this initiative which supports the club’s own development programme and as part of this Jim has also taken over as Head Coach of the club’s Youth Team providing a powerful link between the club and the development of schools’ teams.

John Palmer Ruthin Rugby Club Chairman said ‘This is an enormously exciting development for the club and community rugby and we look forward to working with Ysgol Brynhyfryd and the WRU in ensuring its success.’

Marc Roberts WRU Performance and Development Manager North Wales said ‘ Jim Salisbury will make a big impact within the Ruthin community, he is an excellent coach who will engage and instil good values to the boys and girls within Brynhyfryd. This in turn will lead to more players joining Ruthin rugby club creating a real and lasting partnership. While clearly rugby is at the heart of the scheme we have an ambition to create good people with good values who contribute positively to their communities’

Ysgol Brynhyfryd Headteacher Eleri Jones said 'This is an exciting initiative and we are delighted that the WRU has selected Ysgol Brynhyfryd to be part of this programme. We relish the opportunity to work in partnership with the local rugby club to develop and promote the sport locally. As a school we are proud of our sporting tradition and believe that the appointment of Jim Salisbury will enable us to further build on our strengths. We look forward to increased participation and hope to see more of our talented players progressing to play at the highest level.'