Players from Wales' golden generation now developing the next big things in their coaching roles

FINDING a way to keep intellectual property in Welsh rugby has been a priority of the Welsh Rugby Union's for quite some time.

- STEFFAN THOMAS

A golden generation of Welsh rugby players who experienced unbelievable highs have hung up their boots over the past few years and should have so much to give back to the game in this country.

As Welsh rugby begins its most extensive rebuilding process since 2003 there is no doubt players who have only recently retired can play a significant role in developing the next generation of Wales internationals.

Here are a handful of players from the golden generation who will have a key role to play in Welsh rugby coaching circles moving forward.

LEIGH HALFPENNY

THE 36-year-old was one of the most dedicated, professional and technically proficient players ever to have represented Wales or the Lions.

Halfpenny was always destined for a career in professional coaching having participated in the Welsh Rugby Union's inaugural player-to-coach programme in 2019.

The 101-times-capped Wales international took his first steps on the senior coaching ladder this summer when he was given the role of skills coach for the two-Test tour of Japan, focusing on kicking.

Halfpenny has recently been helping his old club Cardiff.

"He's got a big affinity to Cardiff because it was his first club and he's trying to get into coaching," said Cardiff head coach Matt Sherratt.

"He's carrying a little bit of a niggle at the moment, so I've asked him to come in and we can get him up to speed and get him fit.

"Then, whilst he's doing that, he's been great in working with some of our young players and kickers to develop their goal-kicking and kicking out of hand.

"So we're helping Leigh out and he's helping us out. It's great to have him around."

Halfpenny hasn't officially retired from playing yet and was set to join French PRO D2 outfit AS Beziers Herault but the move fell through.

JUSTIN TIPURIC