By Coventry Telegraph
October 13 2006

Coventry have named former Cardiff and Caerphilly back row forward Phil Ager as rugby director on an interim basis. The 34-year-old will be present at Cov's away game against Doncaster tomorrow before starting his new role at the Butts Park Arena on Monday.

 

Ager, who also captained Llanharan, made over 30 first-team appearances for Cardiff and played Heineken Cup and European Challenge Cup rugby at Caerphilly.

 

He has been forwards coach at Welsh Division One side Beddau for the last four years, guiding them to the quarter-finals of the Welsh Cup, and was previously head coach at Cowbridge.

 

He has also coached the Welsh Clubs XV, the equivalent to England Counties.

 

Also key to Ager's appointment is his business and commercial experience from a decade in the manufacturing business as well as three years spent as a consultant for TSM Group UK, one of the largest sports agencies in Wales.

 

"Phil is well aware of the commercial pressures in rugby management in the modern game," said Coventry owner and chairman Andrew Green, "but I am more than confident that he has the right combination of business, interpersonal and analytical skills to drive the club forward. He certainly ticks all the boxes."

 

Ager will have responsibility for all rugby matters at the club including the playing side, working with the coaches and team manager to keep the squad competitive.