RGC head coach Mark Jones has praised the international efforts of talented back Afon Bagshaw.

The Academy graduate played a significant role for the Welsh 7s side at the recent World Cup, turning in a number of outstanding displays to further enhance his growing reputation within the game.

Bagshaw will now return to the Gogs as they look to mount a Principality Premiership title challenge during a period of transition throughout the summer after the high-profile departures of Tiaan Loots, Jacob Botica and Alex Schwartz.

Jones, said: “It was great to see Afon in the World Cup 7s, and seeing him represent RGC is of huge benefit for the region and hopefully it sends a message out to other young players that you can develop through your twenties.”

“I had seen Afon play for the Wales U20s before I came to RGC, so knew of his talent on the field. What myself and Phil have done is work on the emotional control during a game with him, and the skill and technical side was there already.

“He has always been committed in improving himself, and we must also credit his parents and the previous coaches who have helped him on the journey.”

“He has matured as a player, and you can see he is now taking responsibility for his actions and that is why is now playing on a World Stage. To play at the top level you need to have the talent, but also be well rounded as a character on and off the field.”

Jones added that Bagshaw’s experience coaching aspiring stars at Academy partners Coleg Llandrillo has helped him understand all concepts of the game better, including the vital area of communication.

“Here at RGC will have built the programme so that it is not just about training Tuesday/Wednesday and playing on Saturday but encouraging the players to invest in rugby in other ways,” added Jones.

“You can see that Afon understands how to get his points across better when he is with us, which is clearly a benefit from his coaching experience at the College.”