LONDON WELSH

PERFORMANCE SQUAD

The performance Squad covers the 1st XV and "Druids" 2nd XV sides and represents the pinnacle of men's rugby at London Welsh. The Performance Squad has the unbridled mandate of returning London Welsh RFC to the highest possible level in the English Rugby Pyramid, within an inclusive and sustainable environment that is driven by player experience and aspiration. The squad is provided with a professional environment where players are encouraged to be their best rugby self and to reach their potential in playing at the highest level that they possibly can.

The 1st XV squad has seen sustained success since 2017 when the Board of Directors initiated ‘project reset’ setting out the ambition to achieve 4 promotions in the following 5 seasons. Over that period (the global Pandemic aside) we  achieved 4 consecutive promotions and after 3 years at Level 5 won promotion to National League 2 East in the 2024 25 season.

The Druids 2nd XV is very much part of the extended 1st XV squad and strives to be interchangeable in a highly competitive environment where movement between the top two performance sides is very much supported and encouraged.

The Performance Squad is overseen by the Senior Coaching Group, a collection of handpicked professionals that have significant pedigree in professional rugby at the highest level. Director of Rugby Cai Griffiths (Ospreys, London Irish, London Welsh and Wales U21) leads the coaching group and with the unprecedented success over the last 4 years is recognised as an exciting talent amongst a new coaching generation. Cai is supported by Senior Coach Max Bodily, Forwards and Defence Coach Florent Rossigneux and Head of Strength & Conditioning Will Taylor (Ospreys, Wasps, Wales U20), all of whom bring extensive experience to what is an innovative and professional environment for the Performance Squad.

The squad includes a good mix of academy players, former professional players who have played Premiership, Championship and National League level rugby, and long standing club stalwarts. The performance squad is a close unit and players are provided with the environment that allows them to maximise their rugby potential whilst also growing in the wider sense. The squad has a number of age grade internationals and we have strong connections with the Rugby Football Union, the Welsh Rugby Union and strategic relationships with a number of leading BUCS Super Rugby Universities, Premiership Academies and the Welsh Regional sides.

Season 2025/26 will see the 1st XV compete in National 2 East and the Druids 2nd XV in the  London Shield with both sides striving to win these respective leagues.