Rhys Long, Wales Rugby's head of performance, moves to the FA

The Football Association (FA) has boosted its performance arm with the appointment of Wales rugby Union’s (WRU) Rhys Long.

Long joins the governing body after nine years working as Wales’ head of performance analysis, where he oversaw the Welsh national team and the country’s elite performance structure.

He will take his new role – head of performance analysis and insight – on 1 February, and be based at the FA’s National Football Centre at St George’s Park in Burton. Overseeing a team of 17 analysts, Long will support England’s national development with technical expertise and insight to boost performance.

Dave Reddin, the FA head of team strategy and performance, said the hire demonstrated the body’s commitment to investment in dedicated support for all England teams, and said Long’s background “speaks for itself”.

“When we announced our philosophy we were stating our long-term ambition for all of our England teams to be successful on the pitch – a key part of that is ensuring we have a world-class support mechanism behind that at St George’s Park, to give us the best chance of success in the future,” he said.

Long added: “Overseeing the analysis, structures and pathways of each squad brings great responsibility for me and my colleagues, and I can’t wait to get started.”