After two years at the Newport Gwent Dragons and a Magners League career which includes 101 appearances and more than 500 points, Shaun Connor has hung-up his regional boots and taken his next steps into coaching.
The 34-year-old has taken up the role of skills coach at the Dragons while continuing to ply his trade on the pitch as a player-coach at Pontypool.
Connor, said: “My main role is to help Darren Edwards with the backs. I’m also in a development role with the under 18s, trying to pass on what Darren is doing with the seniors.
“When I turned 30 I started to think about life after rugby. I have got 10-15 years of experience as a professional rugby player and feel I can pass on a lot. Things like game management, temperament etcetera. I remember when I was starting out, if I made a mistake I would let it get to me. My head would drop and I would make another 4 or 5. So I want to help the players with small things like that.”
For the past few years the Panteg-born, Wales A cap has been honing his coaching skills and took charge of the Ospreys under-20s before making the switch to Rodney Parade.
Since joining the Men Of Gwent, Connor has continued coaching and last year combined his Dragons duties with a player-coaching role at Pontypool which he will continue this year. But this is the first time he has worked with the region’s senior squad.
“It was a bit daunting at the start, coaching guys I had played with. But to be fair the boys have been really good, they have been responsive and I’m enjoying it.
“It is brilliant being a coach; I enjoy not having to do all the fitness work. Pre-season is pretty strenuous and after doing so many over the years I don’t think my body could’ve taken another.
“I’m still going to play at Pontypool and I still like to get involved in training, I just have to hold back a bit now! But if there was an injury crisis at the Dragons and they come calling then of course I would turn out for them, but hopefully that won’t happen.
“The main thing is we carry on from last year. Darren has simplified our game plan in an effective manner. Under Paul (Turner) we have a very good coaching staff, and if we can continue to work on the players I think things will only get better.”
