London Welsh have bolstered their backroom staff by announcing that former Welsh Rugby Union National Skills Coach Danny Wilson has joined the club as forwards coach.

Wilson, 31, arrives at Old Deer Park from the Cardiff Blues, where he was Regional Skills Coach, and brings with him a wealth of experience having also spent four years working with Wales as throwing in coach.

Last season Wilson also helped guide Cardiff RFC to second place in the Principality Premiership, while his role as National Skills Coach with the WRU also saw him assist with player development at the Cardiff Blues Academy and steer Cardiff Blues U20’s to Reebok Regional success in 2006/07 and 2007/08.

Wilson’s involvement in the Wales national set up has also seen him attached to the U18s, U19s and U20s as skills coach, as well as being assistant coach to the Wales Sevens side during the 2007/08 IRB World Series.

However, his international experience also extends beyond Wales, having been head coach to the England Women’s side that reached the European Cup final in Toulouse, and helping to guide them to the finals of the World Cup and Churchill Cup, as well as to a treble of Six Nations titles between 2003-05.

“I was basically sold on the ambition and potential of London Welsh, and the fact that the club was moving into a professional era, going from part-time to full-time,” said Wilson. “It’s an exciting time for the club; it’s a massive challenge but a realistic one.

“I’ve worked as a full-time professional rugby coach for the past seven years, so have a lot of experience of a full-time rugby environment. With my background as a skills coach I’ve developed an eye for detail and I really want to try and develop that level of detail in individuals.”

The Dragons have also confirmed their pre-season schedule, with three games on the road as they prepare for their National League One opener at Moseley on August 30.

Welsh will travel to play Aberavon (August 2), Swansea (August 16) and Connacht (August 22).