Wales Netball
February 9, 2022
Wales Netball have appointed two Head Coaches (pictured above) to lead the National Academy, Joanne Ricketts who will lead the National Academy (u21s and u19s), and Rhian Davies who will take the reigns for National Academy (U17s). They will be joined by their Assistant Coaches, Jen Berry (u21) and Sian Ruttley (u17), and Team Managers Cerys Rees (u21) and Anni Williamson (u17). The four coaches bring with them a wealth of experience to the National Academy.
Jo has previously worked with both Wales U21 and u17 squads, as well as working at NPL level with Celtic Dragons. Rhian has worked with the Wales U17 age group since 2018 as Head Coach, securing back to back Silver Medals in the last two Europe Netball competitions, with Jo Ricketts as her Assistant. Jen Berry has been an Assistant Coach at NPL U21 level with Team Bath, and most recently has worked with the Wales U21 Squad since 2020. Sian Ruttley is a former Wales international, who has been an Assistant Coach at Wales U21 level, she also coaches Dinas Netball Club, who have won back to back club titles for 5 consecutive years and remain one of Wales top performing adult clubs. Cerys Rees has represented Wales at U19 and U17 level, as well as being a fitness entrepreneur, and lecturer. Anni Williamson has been Team Manager for the Wales U17 squad for a number of seasons and has also been involved with Junior Dragons.
Sara Moore (Head Coach and head of Elite) was delighted with the calibre of coaches that applied to be part of the National Academy and is excited to work with the coaches and team managers this season. “I have been extremely impressed with the four coaches that we have appointed, Jo and Rhian role model the values of Wales Netball and have proved that they can deliver successful outcomes at age group level, consistently.”
“I’m so pleased to work with Jen Berry once again, and to see Sian Ruttley involved once again in performance netball. Jen has so much experience under her belt for a young coach, and Sian has been there and done it as an athlete and has been part of a club that has a rich history and has produced some excellent Welsh talent.”
“At interview each of these coaches demonstrated their passion and shared their coaching philosophy with us, which was in sync with Wales Netballs vision and style of play. I feel that the National Academy are in very good hands, and we feel these appointments demonstrates the ambition for talent development within Wales.”
We are delighted to have appointed Joanne, Rhian, Jen, Sian, Cerys and Anni and we wish them the best of luck in their roles!
