Bennett lands top fitness job with RFU

FORMER Grand Slam-winning Wales fitness coach Mark Bennett has landed a top job with the Rugby Football Union.

The 48-year-old ex-international flanker has been appointed Head of Sports Science and Medicine, a role he will take up in July as he moves on from Bristol.

He will manage the sports science and medical team which supports England’s international sides, outside of the men’s senior squad.

As conditioning coach, Bennett was part of the Wales set-up which won Grand Slams in 2005 and 2008, spending six years with the WRU.

The three-times capped former Swansea, Cardiff and Neath back rower then moved on to the Ospreys for five years before joining Bristol.

“It is an exciting time for England Rugby and this is a chance to work with a diverse set of talented players across age-grade, sevens and women,” he said.

“This will be a fantastic opportunity to work with younger athletes and those who are on their way to reaching the top, putting processes in place to help guide them along the way.”

Bennett will report to Nigel Melville, the former England scrum-half who is now the RFU’s Professional Rugby Director.

“Mark is very forward thinking and has done a lot of research into how the game is being played and the direction it will take going forward,” said Melville.

“His analytical and progressive approach is particularly important for the pathway and in preparing players for the future. He will be a real asset to the department.”

Gloucester have hit out at “unfounded and unwelcome” claims that Carl Fearns had performed a U-turn on his decision to join the Cherry and Whites for next season.

Reports in France claimed Fearns was ready to go back on his deal to join Gloucester for next term and stay on with current club Lyon. But the Aviva Premiership club have moved quickly to refute the claims.

“Carl Fearns has signed a long-term contract with Gloucester Rugby and is a key part of the club’s plan,” read a Gloucester statement.