Matt Parker handed role with the RFU

Matt Parker: Appointed as head of athletic performance by the RFU

Matt Parker, one of British Cycling's leading coaches, has been appointed as head of athletic performance at England rugby.

The former director of 'marginal gains' at the cycling hub in Manchester will start work with the Rugby Football Union early next month.

Parker will work alongside new senior team doctor Phil Batty, who arrives at Twickenham following spells with Manchester United, Manchester City and Blackburn.

Part of the pioneering team that helped paved the way for a gold rush in the velodrome at Beijing 2008 and London 2012, Parker also helped Bradley Wiggins' transformation from Olympic gold medallist to Tour de France champion.

England head coach Stuart Lancaster said: "Matt's experience across a number of sports and his record with British Cycling, be it in Beijing and London or the Tour de France with Bradley Wiggins, says a lot about his skills in developing champions, and we are looking forward to them transferring to a rugby environment."

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