FORMER Wales full-back Morgan Stoddart has joined Cross Keys as backs coach.

The 28-year-old ex-Scarlets back was forced to retire in January after failing to recover from a broken leg.

But Stoddart, who won eight caps, is staying in the game and will start his coaching career at Pandy Park after being given the nod to replace new Wales Under-20s boss Byron Hayward.

"Morgan is a young coach who is fresh out of the professional game and keen to learn," said head coach Greg Woods.

"He is ambitious, wants to progress in the game and will fit in well here - he will learn from the existing coaching team and we will learn from him.

"Morgan is a down to earth character who is ambitious and I am sure the players will respond to someone who was a quality international player only two years ago."

Stoddart is no stranger to the Premiership; by playing a starring role at Pontypridd that he earned his shot at the Scarlets.

After heading to west Wales his exploits for Llanelli saw him named Premiership player of the year for 2006/7.

The upward curve continued when he became a Scarlets regular and then scored a try on his Wales debut against South Africa in 2007.

"If Morgan enjoys half of the success off the field as he did on it then he will be a superb appointment for the club," said Keys secretary Chris Clarke.

"We spoke to an enormous amount of people about filling the role and Morgan stood out as a someone who would be an excellent fit to join our existing set-up."

Stoddart will study for his level three coaching badges and will work alongside another recent appointment in Jevon Groves.

The 25-year-old Newport Gwent Dragons flanker has been named as assistant forwards coach and will be in charge of the Keys squad at this weekend's Foster's National Sevens.