He’s back in Welsh rugby! Dragons RFC are delighted to officially announce Filo Tiatia as the new Defence Coach at the club.
The former New Zealand international will link up with the Men of Gwent this summer ahead of the 2024/25 BKT United Rugby Championship season.
Tiatia, 52, needs no introduction to Welsh rugby. A cult figure during his five-year spell with the Ospreys, he is now returns as a vastly experienced coach.
The Wellington-born former back row forward has worked as Head Coach at Toyota Verblitz and Sunwolves in Japan and spent time as Forwards Coach and Assistant Coach with the Japan national side.
Tiatia has worked in Super Rugby as Forwards Coach for Moana Pasifika and has also had a spell as Forwards Coach with Auckland Rugby.
The two-times capped All Black arrives at Dragons following his time as Director of Rugby at Rangitoto College in Auckland.
Head Coach Dai Flanagan said: “I am absolutely delighted to be able to confirm Filo as our new Defence Coach.
“He returns to Wales with a wealth of coaching experience and is an innovator and leader in every sense of the word who will make a huge impression here. There is no doubt he will grab this role with both hands and stamp his mark on it.
“I have always stated it shouldn’t be easy when teams come to Rodney Parade or face the Dragons and I know that Filo will work with our squad to rebuild that area of our game and make it his very own.
“I have no doubt that Filo will be a great ally and I know how keen he is to come back to Wales and become a Dragon.”
Filo Tiatia said: “I’m excited by the challenge ahead and opportunity to return to Wales with Dragons RFC.
“I’ve spent some time discussing the club’s aspirations with Dai. It’s a good time for an ambitious club to kick on and I’m looking forward to being a part of a new coaching set-up.
“There is undoubtedly a quality squad, full of young Gwent talent, being assembled at Dragons and I can’t wait to get started with the players this summer and help us move forward.”
I’ve spent some time discussing the club’s aspirations with Dai. It’s a good time for an ambitious club to kick on and I’m looking forward to being a part of a new coaching set-up...
