Welsh rugby stalwart leaves club after almost two decades to take up role with Irish giants

Cardiff stalwart Gafyn Cooper has left his position as rugby operations manager to take up a role with Irish giants Leinster.

Cooper, who has been with the club since 2006, will become team operations manager with the Dublin province in the new year. He will be replaced by Chris Dicomidis, with the former Cardiff lock returning to the Arms Park as team manager.

The pair will now work together as part of an extensive handover period. The move across the Irish sea brings a long association with Wales' capital club to an end for Cooper.

READ MORE:Leaked email shows NFL plan to find new Louis Rees-Zammit as England star approached

READ MORE:Jamie Roberts names two players who could 'transform' Wales' problem position

Having served as youth team captain in 1994, he worked his way through roles throughout the community game, academy and semi-professional set-up before landing in his current role - with this campaign representing his 13th as rugby operations manager.

“The decision to leave Cardiff has been one of the hardest decisions I have made, both on a professional and personal level," said Cooper. “My association with Cardiff stems back to 1994, and I have been proud to represent the club as a youth player and in the roles I have held across the academy, Premiership and the professional team since 2006.

WIN Wales autumn internationals tickets: Just fill in the form here and you'll be entered in the draw for free Wales v Fiji tickets

“I would like to thank the countless players, back room and administration staff, board members and coaching staff that I have worked alongside, for the help and support they have given me throughout my tenure at the club. I wish the club every success in the future.

“I am hugely excited to be joining Leinster Rugby as Team Operations Manager and working alongside the staff and players of such a successful club.”

Dicomidis, who spent three years as a player at the Arms Park amid a career that saw him play over 400 times for Pontypridd, had been serving as head coach at Sardis Road. He was also the Welsh Rugby Player Association’s Professional Development Manager at Cardiff.

“I’m really grateful to Pontypridd, who allowed me the opportunity to become head coach this year but the chance to move back into the professional game is too good to pass up," said Dicomidis. “I am really excited about the challenge. Gaf is leaving some big boots to fill but I’m thankful to Richard Holland and Matt Sherratt for putting their faith in me.

“There is a great group of players and staff both on and off the pitch at the Arms Park, who I have got to know well over the last year in my role with the WRPA.

“It is an exciting time for the club and I am looking forward to playing my part.”

Speaking about the move, Cardiff head coach Matt Sherratt said: “We are very sad to see Coops leave Cardiff. He is a big part of the club and has done so much behind the scenes over the years.

“I know it was a tough decision for him as he’s a passionate Cardiff man. However we understand it’s an exciting opportunity for Coops and his wife Dee to gain a new experience and for Coops to work at Leinster, and we wish him all the best. He’ll always be welcome back at his club, Cardiff.

“Dico was an obvious replacement. He’s a really good person, knows the environment, has good relationships with staff and players and has a connection with the club.

“Coops and Dico will now work together for a significant handover period to ensure there is a smooth transition.”