Pook to take up Ireland role

It has been announced that Paul Pook will be joining the Ireland rugby team as strength and conditioning coach up to and including the next Rugby World Cup in 2011.

Pook comes to the Ireland set up with a wealth of experience and also a reputation for innovation in the field of rugby fitness.

Originally a native of Wales, the former professional player and Wales Sevens representative has worked in the field of sports science and fitness since 1994, beginning his career with the University of Wales.

He then began to specialise in the area of rugby fitness where he worked with professional outfit Ebbw Vale (1998 - 2000) and the Wales U21 team (1998 - 2001). He moved to English Premiership side NEC Harlequins in 2000, where he was head of fitness until 2005.

Since then, he has worked as a high performance consultant to various teams including the Ireland U21 team and in addition to this, he has aided the delivery of the IRFU's certified conditioning courses over the last three years and worked at various levels within the professional and representative ranks of Irish rugby.

Commenting on the appointment, Ireland coach Declan Kidney said: "Paul brings excellent experience in this area and importantly a good understanding and knowledge of working with the provincial teams.

"As with all of the other areas of coaching, we want to be able to work closely with the provinces to allow a smooth transition for the players into and out of the Ireland team with their provincial teams and clubs, with fitness and conditioning a key element to this."

Pook said: "To get the opportunity to work with such a talented group of professional players and coaches is an exciting prospect.

"My experience of working with the Irish players has been very positive and this is a testament to the excellent work of the provincial fitness staff."