Armagh coach takes up Wasps post
Gaelic football coach John McCloskey has been appointed to the new role of skills coach with Guinness Premiership rugby side Wasps.
Tuesday, 09 June 2009
England's World Cup-winning prop Trevor Woodman, 32, was also confirmed as forwards coach in the new-look Wasps management team.
Both coaches have signed two-year deals to work alongside Wasps' new director of rugby Tony Hanks and head coach Shaun Edwards.
McCloskey worked with Wasps on a consultancy basis last season but he will now be responsible for strengthening the squad's core skills on a permanent basis.
McCloskey has experience in rugby having worked as a fitness adviser with the Irish Rugby Union but his coaching experience is all based in Gaelic football.
He helped Armagh to two All-Ireland finals, winning the trophy in 2002, four provincial titles and a national league title.
"Wasps have always been at the forefront and have a very forward thinking mentality and attitude both in the way they coach and the way the organisation is run", Woodman said.
"The introduction of the skills coach role shows the club want to continually look to improve, build on their success and are not afraid to add new dimensions to the way they operate."
Woodman entered coaching with Sydney University in 2006 after a back injury had forced him to retire from playing at the age of 29 and he made an immediate impact in the Sydney club competition.
© Press Association