Former Wales international Mark Bennett takes RFU role

Rugby Football Union has confirmed former Wales international Mark Bennett as the new head of sports science and medicine.

The 48-year-old will be in charge of the sports and medical teams associated with the women's, sevens and junior levels teams, and will also work with professional clubs over player development.

Bennett has featured for Wales three times in 1995 and retired from professional rugby four years later. He joined Wales as a conditioning coach in 2004 and during his tenure, the team went on to clinch two Six Nations Grand Slams in 2005 and 2008.

"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," said Bennett.

"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 has also worked with Ospreys as conditioning coach and returned back to Bristol in 2014/15 season as head of performance.

Professional rugby director Nigel Melville had high praises for Bennett.

"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, creating better alignment within each area of sport science and medicine and improving processes for professional development."