Alan Kingsley joins as Academy kicking coach

Cardiff Blues have announced that former Perth Spirit fly-half Alan Kingsley will take over the role as Academy kicking coach.

The Irishman has previously coached in the Academies of Western Force and Leinster, and will continue in similar roles with Dragons and Biarritz while working with Gruff Rees and his team at the Arms Park.

He takes over from Nick MacLeod as the former Cardiff fly-half takes up a new career direction in the sale of medical supplies, and will work with the likes of Ben Burnell, Jacob Beetham, Ethan Lloyd and Ioan Davies on putting boot to ball.

Speaking to the club’s official website, Kingsley said “Cardiff Blues are a really proud club with a massive history, and they’ve won big tournaments in recent years. Having been involved with Dragons for the last number of years, we keep an eye on the age grade games and seeing how is coming through and there seems to be a good conveyor belt of talent coming through both regions.

“It’s really exciting to get the opportunity to work closely with some of the younger players at Cardiff Blues and try to bring on their skills around kicking. Cardiff Blues are a huge name and are a very competitive in both Europe and the PRO14. It’s really nice to be around the system.

“There are good, young coaches here and I’ve already been introduced to the backroom staff here. I’ve only done one session so far but over the next few weeks and months it will be nice to knock ideas between each other and I’m looking forward to growing those relationships.”

“We’re all very young in our coaching journey and have some fresh ideas. There will be some learnings along the way and it’s great to share the journey with these ambitious, young coaches while learning from the older and more experienced coaches that we get to observe.”