The Ospreys have strengthened their behind the scenes support team with the appointment of two new physiotherapists ahead of the new season.
Neil Poulton (32) and Nick Hess (22) will join an expanded medical team at the Ospreys’ Llandarcy HQ where they will work alongside existing staff members, Chris Towers (Head Physio) and Brian O’Leary.
Poulton hails from Abergavenny, graduating from Coventry University five years ago, since when he has worked in private practice as well as gaining experience in a rugby environment at Leighton Buzzard RFC. Hess is from Essex, and he studied at University of East Anglia and had a season-long internship at Gloucester RFC.
The pair will assist with servicing players within the A, B and C groups and will be involved in the day to day injury management and treatment of players, as well as being involved in delivery of rehab to injured squad members.
Andrew Hore, Chief Operations Officer at the Ospreys, commented on the appointments, saying:
“It gives me great pleasure to welcome Neil and Nick to the Ospreys. The extension of the medical team to four full time members of staff this season coupled with some modifications to the delivery of our rugby and conditioning programme to our squad will significantly enhance the level of service we are able to provide right across the playing squad.
“They will work closely with Chris and Brian as well as our conditioners and the coaching team to help drive our goal of returning players to perform and play well following injury, as well as allowing us to deliver new initiatives tailored to individual needs designed to prevent injury going forward.”