FA shortlisting candidates to replace departing Long

The move has reunited him with Dave Reddin, the WRU’s Director of Rugby, who was previously Head of Strategy and Performance for the FA. It was Reddin who brought Long to the FA from the WRU, where he was Head of Performance Analysis under Warren Gatland from 2007 to 2016.

As Technical Director, Long will be responsible for designing and delivering performance strategies across men’s and women’s for both the national and regional teams in Wales. He will also play a key role in any national coaching appointments.

Long said he wanted to develop a “uniquely Welsh performance model and DNA” to restore a winning mentality across the game in Wales.

He added: “This is an important time to join Welsh rugby, we are in a period of transition but bold steps towards a successful future have already been taken.”

Reddin added: “Rhys will play a key role in defining and embedding a Welsh rugby DNA in the principles of how we play, coach and our Welsh identity across both our men’s and women’s pathways and senior teams.”

During Long’s previous spell with the WRU, Wales won two Grand Slams and a Six Nations title. Long also twice toured with the British & Irish Lions.

The FA have just closed application for the Head of Performance Analysis for Men’s Teams role. This is a senior position that will oversee performance insight across all men’s age groups, providing technical analysis to support coaching staff. 

James Melbourne, who joined in January 2025, is Senior Men’s Lead Analyst for the FA. Long appeared on Episode #5 of the TGG Podcast in 2019 on an Elite Analysts Forum.