Cru-bound Harris confirmed as new Welsh boss
Promoted from deputy
By Chris,
September 26 2009
Iestyn Harris is coming back to Wales! Any coaching or playing role with the Celtic Crusaders is yet to be confirmed, but the former Great Britain international has been confirmed as the new head coach of the Welsh RL national side.
The Featherstone player/coach was officially unveiled as Wales'
new boss at a press conference on Tuesday, amid mounting speculation regarding
a switch to the Principality.
Harris will be thrown in at the deep end with Wales as the nation prepares for a clash with England at the
Brewery Field on October 17th before embarking on a crucial European Cup
campaign.
The 33-year-old must find a XIII capable of doing a job away
in Serbia on October 25th,
before Wales return home to face Ireland in a televised clash in
Pontypridd.
The competition finishes in Bridgend on November 8th with a
finals day. Victory for Wales
would see them involved in the next Four Nations tournament alongside England, Australia
and world champions New
Zealand.
"I am very ambitious as a coach and Wales Rugby League
has always been very close to my heart so I will be taking the role very
seriously." said Harris, who played union for Cardiff RFC.
Alongside Harris will be Clive Griffiths, who has been
confirmed as the national team's new assistant coach. The former GB boss
fostered Harris at Warrington many years ago and will provide invaluable
experience to the new Welsh set-up.
Harris is expected to quit his role with Fev in the near future - and also looks set to complete a move to Rodney Parade that will see him become assistant coach of the Crusaders. The dual-code international has been heavily linked with a move to Cru as part of an ambitious swoop that could see former GB coach Brian Noble moving to South Wales.