White leaves Wales’ backroom team

Wales physical performance manager Craig White has left his role to pursue a new academic career, the Welsh Rugby Union have confirmed.

White, who has previously worked with Wasps, Leicester, Ireland, the British & Irish Lions and Bolton Wanderers, joined the Wales staff in the summer of 2008 but will step down in order to move to Thailand and undertake a doctorate in nutrition and health.

The move is something of a surprise with there being just 10 months until the World Cup, and comes following a disappointing autumn campaign that saw Wales pick up just a single draw from their four games.