North Wales Crusaders Wheelchair Rugby League and Disability Sports Club have put in place their first-ever physical disability rugby league (PDRL) coaching team, with Dave Forward appointed head coach and Harry Jones named assistant coach.
Starting his coaching career as a founding member of former local grass roots side Wrexham Bradley Raiders, Forward was involved at the club until 2014, gaining coaching experience with various age groups.
After coaching the Raiders’ U10s side, he led the club at open age, U16s and U18s levels and ended his spell in charge of the U13s, guiding the club to back-to-back unbeaten domestic campaigns and promotions in the North West Counties.
Forward said: “It’s a great honor to be given an opportunity like this and I’m really looking forward to getting started.
“To do something like this is special. I’d like to thank Stephen Jones and Mark Jones for giving me the chance to give something back to the sport I love.”
Jones, who is a Welsh international in wheelchair rugby league and has been a key part of Crusaders’ wheelchair side since the very start, has worked with Forward before as assistant coach of the Raiders’ U13s side.
Jones has previous PDRL experience having trained with Warrington Wolves before eligibility issues cut his season short.
Forward added: “With Harry there to help me out, we have the start of a great coaching team and our experience working together will make it even more special to get this project underway.”
The club are working with the Rugby Football League and Wales Rugby League on a potential start date for training. If you’re interested in getting involved with the PDRL team, email: [email protected]. You can also visit the PDRL section of Crusaders Wheelchair Rugby League and Disability Sport Club’s website.
