Mar 17 2008 icWales

THE Rugby Football League have appointed a general manager for Wales as part of a new initiative designed to further develop the 13-man game in the principality.

Caro Wild, who has worked for the RFL for nearly 10 years, will move from his current post in London next month to lead a four-man team based at National League Two club Celtic Crusaders in Bridgend.

Dan Clements, an experienced coach at Conference and Wales junior level, has been appointed as a development officer and coach of Celtic’s new Colts team - and he will be assisted by former Crusaders, Sheffield Eagles and Wales player Aled James.

The Crusaders will also appoint a community development officer to complete the line-up, which is part of a link-up between the Bridgend club and Wales Rugby League.

Crusaders chief executive David Thompson said: “This is a significant stage in the development of rugby league in Wales and the UK.

“The Crusaders and WRL have been working together closely since our inception. But the formal arrangement we are now entering into will enable us to really promote and develop rugby league, pooling all of our resources and working to common goals.

“Being able to persuade Caro to join us in our joint venture is a massive coup. Caro has done a fantastic job developing rugby league in London and the south and is highly sought after.”

Celtic Crusaders open their League One campaign on Friday with a home match against Dewsbury, with Wales taking on England at under-16 level in a curtain raiser.