Byron Hayward has a new job just weeks after leaving his position as head coach of Wales Under 20s.
The 54-year-old, who was Wales' senior defence coach under Wayne Pivac, tendered his resignation after the young Dragons were whitewashed in a dismal Six Nations campaign, with Mark Jones replacing him on an interim basis ahead of the World Championships in South Africa.
And while Jones' side impressed in their opening game of the tournament against New Zealand this weekend, losing by just a single point, former Llanelli man Hayward has taken up a new coaching role with hometown club Blaina RFC.
READ MORE: Warren Gatland explains real reasons for Justin Tipuric retirement decision that left him shocked
The Division 3A East outfit confirmed the appointment on Sunday and said the former Wales international would bring "a huge amount of experience and knowledge" to the side as their pre-season preparations get underway.
"Blaina RFC is excited to announce that Byron Hayward will become a member of our coaching team for the up and coming season," they said. "Byron comes with an amazing list of rugby achievements, including Welsh caps as a player, a former coach of Llanelli, Wales and Wales U20s.
"[He] will bring a huge amount of experience and knowledge to the group, and we can't wait for his invaluable input to take us forward. Welcome to the Lambs."
Hayward spent 18 months with the Under 20s and largely struggled with results, winning just four of the 14 games he took charge of during his tenure. However, three of those victories came during last year's successful U20s Summer Series, which saw Wales lose out to South Africa in the final.
He also oversaw the development of the likes of Mason Grady, Dafydd Jenkins and Christ Tshiunza, all of whom have graduated to the senior squad and now find themselves part of Warren Gatland's plans for the 2023 World Cup.
Having previously been involved in the U20s set-up, he returned to the role for a second spell in December 2021 having left his position in Wayne Pivac's coaching staff just five days before the start of the Autumn Nations series the previous year.
