Wales international Aaron Wainwright has been named director of rugby at Whiteheads RFC, the community club where his rugby journey began, just weeks after completing his move from the Dragons to Leicester Tigers.
Despite now being based in the East Midlands, the back-row forward will remain heavily involved with the Newport club, joining the coaching team for the coming season while also helping to develop the next generation of players and support the club's long-term growth.
Announcement and reaction
Announcing the news on social media, Whiteheads said: "Waino is staying! Despite his move to Leicester Tigers, Waino will be staying on as part of the coaching team for the coming season."
"He'll also be involved with the next generations and building the club."
For those familiar with Wainwright, the appointment comes as little surprise. Long before he became a Wales international and secured a move to one of England's biggest clubs, Wainwright was a youngster at Whiteheads after deciding football was no longer the path for him.
Rugby beginnings
Having spent time in the academies at Cardiff City and Newport County, he discovered his love for rugby at Whiteheads before progressing through Cardiff Metropolitan University, Newport RFC and the Dragons. That pathway eventually led to international honours, with Wainwright becoming a key figure for both Dragons and Wales. He earned his first Test cap in 2018 and has become arguably the national side's most important player.
Throughout his rise in the professional game, however, Whiteheads has remained close to his heart. Last year, WalesOnline told how Wainwright regularly returned to Whiteheads after Dragons matches to coach youngsters before heading home.
"It gives me the balance in my life," he explained. "I've got all these eyes on me at the Dragons and Wales, then I go back to Whiteheads where it's just normal. They don't treat me any differently. It reminds me where I've come from."
Farewell and continued involvement
That connection was clear again when Whiteheads members turned out in force for Wainwright's Dragons farewell at Rodney Parade earlier this year. "It all started for me at Whiteheads," Wainwright said after his final home appearance. "I go down as often as I can, so for them to come and repay the favour to me tonight was awesome to see and to have that support was great."
Before leaving Dragons, Wainwright also hosted coaching sessions and rugby camps at Whiteheads.
