9:25am Tuesday 9th June 2009
By Alan Feldberg
TREVOR Woodman has been confirmed as Wasps forwards coach and says he can't wait to continue the club's 'unbeatable' record.
The World Cup winner joins Wasps on a two-year deal.
He has been working as scrum coach for Australia, but says he can't wait to work with some of the game's most exciting talents.
Woodman, who only retired in 2005 due to back problems, said: "I am really looking forward to coming back to the UK and taking on a role with a club that stands as one of the most successful in English rugby.
"Wasps have an unbeatable record in the game with an honours list that can rival any other Premiership Club and over the years they have produced some of the games most exciting talents.
"For me personally and professionally I am hugely excited by the challenge that lies ahead – the club is at the beginning of it’s next chapter and working alongside great coaches in Tony Hanks and Shaun Edwards you can sense the determination and the desire to make this season a success from the off – something I am delighted to have an opportunity to be a part of.
"Wasps have always been one of those clubs whether as a player, coach or spectator, you had an immense amount of respect for.
"Taking on the role of forwards coach, I will have the opportunity to not only work as part of this great establishment, but also join forces with some of the most respected names in the game with the likes of [Phil] Vickery and [Simon] Shaw - two of my former team mates – to name but a few.”
Wasps have also announced that John McCloskey has been appointed skills coach.
McCloskey's reputation was formed in Gaelic football where he coached Armagh to two All-Ireland Finals in 2002 and 2003, four provincial titles and a National League title.
Last year coached Derry to an NFL title and is familiar with Wasps having helped the team prepare for their Heineken Cup win over Leinster last season.
He said: "At Armagh we considered Wasps as role models because of their success, professionalism, family spirit and never say day attitude on the pitch.
“When the opportunity came up to join a coaching team with the likes of Tony Hanks and Shaun Edwards, it was a great privilege and an opportunity too good to turn down.
"Wasps have always been at the forefront and have a very forward thinking mentality and attitude both in the way they coach and the way the organization is run with the likes of Owner, Steve Hayes, and Chairman, Mark Rigby, and the introduction of the skills coach role shows that the club want to continually look to improve, build on their success and are not afraid to add new dimensions to the way they operate.
"Ultimately the game of rugby comes down to decision making and execution of skill and through this role I hope that we can ensure that that execution is at its highest level.
"For me this is a hugely exciting challenge and one which I am delighted to take on."
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