Griffiths’s arrival gives Davey needed support

Doncaster Knights have parachuted in one of the most successful coaches in their history to help them battle against relegation from the Championship.

Clive Griffiths has been appointed as their new director of professional rugby with immediate effect.

Griffiths, 58, will come in above the existing coaching staff, with Brett Davey continuing as director of rugby and Glen Kenworthy as head coach.

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It is understood that Griffiths, the former Wales dual-code international, will have the final say on team issues, but Davey will be freed up to take more control of training. Davey’s position as director of rugby had become increasingly perilous after a run of just one league win since January, which had left the Knights bottom of the Championship.

By bringing in Griffiths they have found a way to retain Davey but give him some experienced help. Griffiths, who helped Wales to a grand slam in 2005, has been working as defence coach for Canada and as a consultant for National One side Sedgley Park.

He has also been working on a part-time basis with rugby league side North Wales Crusaders, a role he will continue despite his Doncaster position being full-time.

Griffiths was believed to be in the running to succeed Andre Bester at Rotherham Titans, although the man the Clifton Lane club appointed, Alex Codling, was always their first choice.

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The task for Griffiths is a daunting one and he does not arrive in South Yorkshire with the Knights on the upward trajectory he found them in back in 2006.

They have won just one of nine games but one victory would see them climb off the foot of the table.

Doncaster travel to high-flying Nottingham on Sunday before they return to Castle Park for a crucial game against fellow strugglers Jersey the following Friday.

Griffiths said: “I am delighted to be back at Doncaster, I enjoyed my last tenure here before it was cut short too early.

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“Everything I love about the club is still here and the future is still very bright. I am looking forward to building on the foundations of what the current management have put in place which looks very exciting.

“Our main focus as a club is to get Doncaster Knights on the rise up the table.”