New business roles for former Welsh rugby internationals

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Former Welsh rugby internationals Dafydd James and Ellis Jenkins have taken up new business roles.

Mr Jenkins, who played club rugby for Cardiff before retiring, has joined business advisory firm Dow Schofield Watts as a corporate relations lead based at the firm's Cardiff office.

Mr Jenkins, who studied for an executive MBA at Cardiff University while still playing rugby, sat on the executive committee for the Welsh Rugby Players Association (WRPA) for eight years.

On his new role he said: "After taking time to reflect on 15 years of professional rugby and consider my next steps, I'm excited to begin a new chapter in my career with Dow Schofield Watts Cardiff.

"I'm joining a dynamic team that is growing rapidly across Wales and the south west of England and I'm confident that my experience of problem solving in high pressure sporting situations will serve me well in the fast-paced world of corporate finance."

Koo Aseeley, partner in the corporate finance team at Dow Schofield Watts in Cardiff, said: "We're excited about the continued growth of the Cardiff team. Ellis brings outstanding leadership experience, an ambitious mindset and a fantastic network from his time in elite sport. We're looking forward to the value he'll bring to our clients and team. "

The Cardiff office has also announced the promotion of Ben Nix to associate.

Mr James , who played for clubs including Pontypridd and the Harlequins, has joined global insurance intermediary group Howden, as a business executive based in South Wales.

He said:"I am thrilled to be joining Howden's team in South Wales. With its local presence and global footprint, I was drawn to its community- driven approach and the opportunities that lie ahead. "I am a results driven professional focused on building long-lasting, meaningful business relationships, which makes Howden the perfect fit for me.

Gary Stevens, regional managing director for Howden, which has offices in Swansea and Cardiff, said: "We are delighted that Dafydd has joined us. His drive and determination from his career as an athlete, coupled with his professionalism, makes him the perfect fit for us as a business executive.

"He has already proved to be a great asset to the team, throwing himself into our community events from day one, and I am confident that he will help us to continue providing outstanding service."