RGC have announced the appointment of Matt Silva as their new head coach.

The Gogs’ confirmed the news on Thursday, July 18, ending weeks of speculation following the departure of Mark Jones, with the new appointment outlining his confidence regarding a high finish next season in the Indigo Group Premiership.

In addition to the head coach role, Silva will also support the North Wales Academy to help unearth and develop players from across the region to ensure they reach their potential in the game.

Silva, who represented Wales B and won a Rugby League cap for Wales, has worked within player and coach development roles for 15 years and coached Bridgend for the last three seasons.

Defence coach Latham Tawhai will remain in the role for the upcoming campaign, but the backroom team will be losing the services of Phil John in September after he decided to step away from the club to pursue other coaching interests.

Silva, said: “Taking on this role is a big but very exciting challenge and I can’t wait to get started.

“It’s key that I get to know everyone involved with RGC and buy into the culture of North Wales rugby and it’s also important I get straight into pre-season so that we can hit the ground running come September.

“I want to build on the legacy that Mark Jones and all the other past RGC coaches have created and I hope my actions will speak louder than words when it comes to the rugby we produce on the field.

“While it’s fantastic achievement to win the cup, my main aim is to finish in the top six and qualify for the Super 6 cross-border competition. There is certainly the talent within the current squad to do that.

“I very much plan to work with North Wales community clubs to unearth playing and coaching talent and bring them on the journey with us.

“It’s fantastic to step into a stable coaching team but when Phil John leaves his post, it would be great to fill it with a North Wales coach and certainly, further down the line, the goal is for RGC to be self-sufficient in terms of players and coaches.”