British & Irish Lions boss Warren Gatland has named the performance staff for the 2021 tour of South Africa.
Gatland on Thursday released the names of the Lions support team, with eight of the 15 positions filled by members of the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU), while the English Rugby Football Union (RFU) has three representatives, Irish Rugby (IRFU) two members and Scottish Rugby (SRU) one, with one independent member completing the group.
One of the medical staff, Hanlie Fouche, is a South African currently working as a soft-tissue therapist for the WRU. She will occupy the same position for the Lions.
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‘I am thrilled to have secured a world-class performance team,’ said Gatland.
‘For obvious reasons, this summer’s Lions Tour to South Africa will be a bit different. It will present a number of unique challenges, not only for the players, but the staff too – who all work so incredibly hard behind the scenes.
‘I feel reassured when I see the calibre and experience of each individual I have been able to assemble, and I know that whatever challenges we may face on tour we’ll deal with them in the best way possible.
‘I would like to extend my thanks and gratitude to the four home unions for the flexibility and cooperation they have shown in releasing their employees.’
Medical team:
Prabhat Mathema – head of medical (WRU)
Dr Geoff Davies – doctor (WRU)
Dr Ciaran Cosgrove – doctor (IRFU)
Bob Stewart – physio (RFU)
John Miles – physio (WRU)
Ann-Marie Birmingham – soft-tissue therapist (RFU)
Hanlie Fouche – soft-tissue therapist (WRU)
Strength and conditioning:
Paul Stridgeon – head of strength & conditioning (WRU)
Jon Clarke – strength & conditioning coach (RFU)
Huw Bennett – strength & conditioning coach (WRU)
Brian Cunniffe – sports scientist (English Institute of Sport)
Analysis:
Rhodri Bown – head of analysis (WRU)
Vinny Hammond – analyst (IRFU)
Marc Kinnaird – analyst (WRU)
Gavin Vaughan – analyst (SRU)
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Photo: British & Irish Lions Rugby
