Newport Gwent Dragons Chief Executive Gethin Jenkins today confirmed that the region have agreed to release assistant coach Dai Rees from his contract in order to take up the position of Head Coach with the Hong Kong Rugby Union.
Chief Executive Gethin Jenkins said: “I have met with Dai and fully understand his wish to take up this exciting opportunity. We thank him for his time, effort and dedication to the Dragons over the past five seasons and wish Dai and his family well with this new and fantastic experience.”
Dai Rees who was born in Abercarn has spent his playing and coaching career in Wales and is looking forward to the challenge ahead and grateful of the experience he has gained within the region. He said:
“I would like to thank everybody connected with the Dragons for their support and efforts over the last five seasons. It’s been difficult at times but the friendship, determination and closeness of the management and players has always resulted in positive results and outcomes for me individually and the team as whole.”
He added: “The current squad are in exciting phase of their development and I wish them every success in the current campaign and hope that they are able to continue the building process over the coming months and seasons.
“I would like to convey my thanks to Gethin, Paul and the Board for their understanding in agreeing to release me to take up this challenge and fantastic opportunity in Hong Kong.”
Head Coach Paul Turner who was born just one mile from Dai and played alongside him at Newbridge and Newport commented:
“I wish Dai and his family well with this opportunity to experience life in Hong Kong. Having known Dai for most of my rugby career it will be a good challenge for him in a different environment. He is ambitious as a coach and moving away will help develop him and help realise that ambition.
“David and family will always be welcome here within the Dragons region. We wish him well and thank him for all his efforts and support as a coach with us here at the Dragons.”
Ends.
