By Richard Sykes

Jarrod Ward has taken on the role of strength and conditioning coach at Huddersfield RUFC.

The former rugby league professional, who has had spells with Salford, Bradford Bulls, Halifax and Oldham, will also be joining the Huddersfield squad as a utility back.

Jarrod, 27, started working in personal training during his rugby league playing days and now runs his own business. J W Fitness offers online programmes as well as personal fitness training, sports massage and injury rehabilitation from its premises at the Sovereign Business Centre in Shelley.  

Ward said: “I started to train myself at the age of 13 when I first got a rugby contract. From there my passion for training and progression began.

“I have accumulated a vast amount of knowledge and experience in nutrition, training methods and the science behind achieving muscle gain and increased strength, speed and agility.” 

Jarrod, who lives in Denby Dale, says he is excited about the prospect of playing and working at the Lockwood Park club.

“Having never played rugby union before and I am looking forward to the challenge,” he said. “On the fitness front I will be running some base line tests to establish the general picture and assess the players in the squad.

“After that I plan to introduce weekly training plans for individuals to help them build up their own personal fitness in readiness for the re-start of rugby.”

The pandemic has had a devastating effect on the sport. With no games and virtually no group training during the last year it has been left to individuals to keep themselves in trim. A four club event, sponsored by the Leeds travel company Ventur, is first up. Otley, Leeds and Wharfedale are the other participating clubs.

Head coach Gaz Lewis said: “Preparations are coming together for the Ventur Cup with the boys doing individual programmes ahead of our pre-season training in April.

“Jarrod is extremely keen to start work on the strength and conditioning. Given the amount of time away from the game this is a very important area as we prepare to return to play.”

If things go according to plan Huddersfield’s first match will be on May 8.