West Wales Raiders announce Wayne Ponting as their first ever full time Head of Development.

Wayne Ponting is known by everyone in the world of rugby league in Wales as he has held so many positions over the years. He has worked as East Wales head coach, South Wales assistant coach, Wales under 16s,18s and most recently 19s assistant coach.

Wayne Ponting will come in to work alongside the new Raiders head coach Aaron Wood and both will begin their work for the club this week. Wayne will assist Aaron with all coaching at the Raiders but his main focus will be on all the rugby development the club wishes to fulfil in the near future.

The Raiders spoke with Wayne on his new position

“I’m really grateful for the opportunity to be given this role with the club, and am also very excited to see how I can learn and develop with the new role and carry on the work from previous coach Kim Williams and continue to grow the talent pathway in Wales. I’m looking forward to meeting and working with the new head coach Aaron wood and seeing what new ideas he has. I look forward to getting back involved with my close friend Mark Jones and the college in the new year also.”

“Raiders chairman Andrew Thorne added “I have worked with Wayne over a number of years and seen how fantastic a coach and people's person Wayne is, he is fantastic for this role as he takes so much time to spend with every individual player he has coached over the years. There are many plans ahead between the club and the new coaches as we try and continue the development of the sport and players in Wales.”