Recently retired prop and fans favourite Neil ‘Chalky’ White has joined the Neath rugby management team as Assistant Team Manager. He will assist current Team Manager Martyn Morris with all of the logistics, administration and management of the playing squad to ensure operations run as smoothly as possible. Before enjoying two seasons with Neath, Chalky played for Swansea for a season and for Aberavon for ten seasons so he is very experienced in all things Premiership in the Ospreys region.

The appointment will also give Martyn Morris, who was awarded with the Clubman of the year award this season, much needed help in running the rugby operations. Martyn commented on the appointment, ‘We’ve known for some time that this was going to be Neil’s last season as a player. He informed me of his desire to one day be a Team Manager which put the wheels in motion for this new role for him. He’s got a strong understanding of the Premiership, a willingness to learn and having played for Neath for the past two seasons he knows what a special club it is and what a privilege it is to be part of the team here.’

Neil commented on his new role at the Club, ‘having now finished playing I’m really looking forward to this new role and new challenge. Playing for Neath is one thing, but when Martyn offered me this role I was really taken aback and honoured at the opportunity to work alongside him and Lyn who are massive names in the history of the Club. I’ve always wanted to be a Team Manager and when I sat down with Lyn to discuss the role I didn’t quite realise the importance of it. It’s not just the administration and logistics you’ve got to get right, it’s also about helping the coaches and backroom staff create the right environment for the players to perform on the pitch. I’ve got a lot to learn but I’ve got no better people to learn off. I can’t wait to get started.’