Afon Bagshaw Appointed Academy Senior Coach

Afon Bagshaw: From RGC Stalwart to Head Academy Senior Coach

RGC’s most-capped player, Afon Bagshaw, has made an incredible impact on North Wales rugby both on and off the field. With 228 appearances to his name, alongside representative honours for Wales U20s and Wales Sevens, Bagshaw’s career has been built on consistency, commitment, and a deep passion for the game.

Now, his focus has turned fully to developing the next generation of North Wales talent in his new role as RGC Academy Senior Coach, a position that sits at the heart of the WRU’s “One Wales” strategy.

Stepping Into a New Role

With Saul Nelson seconded to Cardiff Rugby, Bagshaw will step into the Academy Senior Coach role, leading both the Senior and Junior Academy programmes.

Performance Manager Josh Leach praised the appointment:

“Afon has assisted throughout the pathway with both Saul and myself for the past 10 years alongside his playing career, and was the obvious choice to lead the coaching team going forward. Afon has a great knowledge of the game, well-rounded coaching skills, and is a natural leader. This move was the logical next step in his coaching career and he is adapting well to the new role. His role will involve heading up the Senior and Junior Academy programmes.”

A Career of Milestones

Reflecting on his journey, Bagshaw said:

“My career has been great in many different ways – from running out for my first appearance for RGC back in 2012 against Welsh Deaf, to pulling on the jersey for Wales Sevens at a World Cup. From coaching at a young age, I always knew it was something I enjoyed and wanted to pursue after my playing career.”

Bagshaw’s playing career saw him become a central figure for RGC, renowned for his consistency and leadership. His ambition remains to reach 250 appearances, though his new role means his time on the pitch may be reduced.

“Taking this role on has been difficult but it is the right one for me and my young family (Harriet, Eira and Reggie). It has impacted my availability to train and play for RGC this year, but I’m sure I’ll make an appearance or two as emergency cover.”

Coaching Pathway

Bagshaw’s coaching career began almost as early as his playing one. He first lent a hand with RGC U16s – working with players like Danny Cross and Rhys Tudor – before moving on to volunteer roles at Coleg Llandrillo. From there, he progressed into part-time assistant coaching while still playing for RGC, gaining valuable experience with players such as Sam Wainwright and George Roberts.

His pathway took him through the RGC 18s Academy as assistant coach, before the role became full-time, split between Coleg Llandrillo and the Junior Academy. He later worked with the RGC senior backs while still shaping the academy setup, leading him back to his current position overseeing both the Senior and Junior Academy structures.

Influences and Mentors

Throughout his journey, Bagshaw credits a number of coaches for shaping both his playing and coaching philosophies:

 “I’ve been fortunate to be coached by some world-class coaches at RGC and Wales – Damo, Horse, and Phil Davies all had a lasting influence. But the two who had the biggest impact were Mark Jones, who made me think about the game in a completely different way, and Josh Leach. Josh has been my coach, my teammate in a national cup final, and now my line manager. He’s had a huge impact on me in many ways and still does daily.”

“My time working with Saul Nelson in the Academy set-up has been invaluable. He’s not only helped me develop as a coach but has also been an incredible mentor, such a positive influence in my coaching life, plus a great father and family man"

Building the Future of North Wales Rugby

As RGC Academy Senior Coach, Bagshaw is determined to leave a legacy:

“This role is about identifying and developing future professional and international players for Wales, whilst creating a strong and sustainable future for the game in North Wales. It’s a role I’m so proud to have been trusted with.”

From his debut in 2012 to his ongoing influence in 2025, Afon Bagshaw’s story is one of loyalty, progression, and belief in the rugby pathway in North Wales. His new chapter may have taken him off the field more often, but his impact on the region’s rugby future looks set to be greater than ever.