Ireland strength and conditioning coach quits

Ireland team strength and conditioning coach Paul Pook is to step down from his role after two seasons due to personal reasons, it was announced today.

He will be replaced by Philip Morrow, the current IRFU head of fitness, in the short to medium term, including the upcoming Guinness Series in November.

"Although I've enjoyed two great years working with the national squad, management and provincial staff, I've been away from my wife and two young daughters for the majority of that time," said Pook.

"I felt it was time to step down given the fact I want to spend more time with my family and concentrate on developing a high performance training centre at my home in France, while writing a second edition of my book 'Complete Conditioning for Rugby'."

Ireland coach Declan Kidney said: "I would like to thank Paul for his work during his time with the team.

"The squad certainly benefitted from his experience and I am sure his knowledge will see him continue to be successful.

"Myself and the rest of the management team wish him the very best for the future."