Former British triathlon chief Graeme Maw has been appointed Welsh Rugby Union's first elite performance director.

And Nigel Davies, who served as caretaker coach for Wales' November Test match against world champions South Africa, is named head of rugby development.

Maw and Davies will work with new Wales coach Warren Gatland, who succeeded Gareth Jenkins in November.

Gatland's fellow New Zealander, ex-Wales fitness coach Andrew Hore, had been strongly linked with the post but he was subsequently snapped up by Welsh regional side the Ospreys.

Maw, 43, joined the British Triathlon Association as performance director in 2001, but recently stood down from that post.

A former high performance manager for the Queensland Academy of Sport, Maw said: "In elite sport, you have to be at the forefront of all that high performance management can provide to achieve success.

"I know I can put in place systems and a culture which will improve the performance of our best players.

"I have already started detailed discussions with Nigel, and I know we will be able to use our complimentary skills to create positive results."

Davies, assessing his new role, added: "I have clear views on what needs to be done and how to achieve my goals which I have already shared with Graeme. The work has begun.

"My recent professional experience in the national coaching team, including my role as head coach for the South Africa match, has given me an incredible insight into the task at hand.

"I believe all that experience, combined with my own confidence in my abilities, will prove invaluable. I am looking forward to the future with energy and anticipation."

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