Clarke returns to Wolves

Warrington have appointed former hooker Jon Clarke as their new head of strength and conditioning on a two-year deal from 2016.

Clarke, 36, spent 10 years as a player with the Wolves, before leaving to join Widnes at the end of 2011, where he played on for a further two seasons and has since joined their back room staff.

He said: “It’s a fantastic opportunity for me and my family to re-join the club where I spent 10 great years and experienced the joys of winning Challenge Cups and a League Leaders Shield. 

“To join the existing coaching staff under Tony Smith’s guidance is also a huge plus in terms of my development as a strength and conditioning coach. 

“I’m certainly excited about the challenge ahead, which is to undoubtedly bring success back to this club.”

Clarke’s appointment comes as part of a re-structuring at the Halliwell Jones Stadium, which sees current player welfare and football manager Karl Fitzpatrick become head of rugby operations, overseeing all rugby activity under Tony Smith including the first team, Under 19s and Under 16s academy operations.

Head physiotherapist Ben Stirling will take on a new role as head of performance services encompassing sports science and medicine, physiotherapy and massage, performance analysis and, strength and conditioning.

Smith said: “We are delighted with the appointment of Jon Clarke and really look forward to JC returning to Warrington. 

“He played such an important role as a senior player for a number of years and while he left the club, his heart was still with us. 

“We always had the hope of joining up and working together in the future and that time has now come. 

“It’s an exciting time for Jon and the club.”