Wales set to appoint England 2003 Rugby World Cup winner this week

Monday, 07 April 2025 at 21:02

byRugby Rucker

The Welsh Rugby Union are reportedly closing in on a blockbuster appointment, with former England football and rugby mastermind Dave Reddin set to take the reins as their new director of rugby.

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According to WalesOnline, Reddin has emerged as the top pick for what is seen as one of the most crucial roles in Welsh rugby's long-term rebuild — and it’s hard to argue with his credentials.

Who is Dave Reddin?

For those unfamiliar, Reddin is a performance guru with a résumé that reads like a who's who of British sport. He was England Rugby’s national fitness coach when Sir Clive Woodward’s side lifted the 2003 Rugby World Cup, and later joined Woodward again as part of the coaching staff for the 2005 British & Irish Lions tour to New Zealand — a tour best forgotten for many reasons, but one that added another feather to Reddin's cap.

Not stopping at the oval ball, Reddin crossed codes to become a major figure in English football. He spent six years with the FA as Head of Team Strategy & Performance, helping shape elite preparations behind the scenes for the national side. Oh, and he also served as Head of Performance Services at the British Olympic Association, helping power Team GB’s success across multiple Olympic Games.

In recognition of his impact on British sport, Reddin was awarded an MBE in 2004.

A No-Nonsense Operator

Those who’ve worked closely with Reddin describe him as a man who sets sky-high standards — not just for himself, but for everyone in his orbit. Known for his intense professionalism, attention to detail, and a track record of squeezing the very best from elite teams, Reddin’s arrival in Wales could signal a seismic culture shift within the WRU.

The official announcement hasn’t landed just yet, but it looks like Welsh rugby could soon be under the guidance of a man who helped deliver glory on both the rugby field and the global sporting stage. Watch this space.

Alun Wyn Jones and Owen Farrell included on list of worst British & Irish Lions

The British & Irish Lions is the pinnacle of a player’s career – a chance to prove yourself against the very best. But not everyone rises to the occasion.

While some have cemented their legacies in red jerseys, others have left fans wondering how they even made the squad.

From unfortunate injuries to underwhelming performances, we take a look at some of the worst Lions players across different tours, with big names like Owen Farrell and Alun Wyn Jones making the cut.

2021 tour: Owen Farrell – The forgotten playmaker

Owen Farrell, one of the most recognisable and influential players in modern rugby, endured a tour to forget in South Africa. Despite his vast experience and reputation as a leader, Farrell was named by SA Rugby Mag as the worst-performing Lion on the tour.

Initially expected to play a key role, he started three games and featured off the bench in the first two Tests.

However, as the series decider loomed, head coach Warren Gatland made a brutal call – dropping Farrell from the matchday 23 entirely. It was a stark fall from grace for a player who was once considered indispensable.

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2017 tour: Stuart Hogg – A case of bad luck

Stuart Hogg was primed to be the Lions' Test full-back in 2017, but fate had other plans. The Scottish star suffered a freak injury in the third game of the tour against the Crusaders, colliding with Conor Murray’s elbow and fracturing his eye socket.

While injuries are unfortunate, Hogg’s Lions career as a whole was disappointing. He failed to make a significant impact on the 2013 or 2021 tours either, making him one of the most underwhelming repeat selections in Lions history.

2013 tour: Tom Court – The holiday call-up

If there was ever a Lions selection that left fans scratching their heads, it was Tom Court in 2013. The Ireland prop wasn’t even in the original squad – he was on holiday with his family when he got the call-up.

Thrown into the squad late, Court was never going to be a game-changer. He did manage to hold his own in the scrum against the Melbourne Rebels, but his inclusion remains one of the strangest in Lions history.

2009 tour: Alun Wyn Jones – A rare disaster for the legend

Alun Wyn Jones is a Lions legend – but his 2009 tour was anything but legendary. A young second-row at the time, he struggled against the formidable Springbok pack, leading Bleacher Report to rate his performances a dismal 4/10.

Jones was criticised for losing the ball in contact, looking out of his depth, and failing to impose himself physically. At times, he even looked "terrified" according to some reports. It was a rocky start to a Lions career that would later see him become one of the most respected captains in history.

2005 tour: Andy Titterrell – The most questionable selection?

The 2005 Lions tour to New Zealand was an unmitigated disaster, and some of the squad selections did little to help. Among the most baffling was Sale Sharks hooker Andy Titterrell, who had just two England caps to his name.

Sir Clive Woodward’s decision to take a bloated 44-man squad led to several left-field inclusions, but Titterrell stood out as particularly bizarre. Lacking the physicality and technical ability required at this level, he made little impact and was quickly forgotten.