Wales lose fitness head Adam Beard to NFL six months before World Cup

Wales' head of physical performance Adam Beard is leaving the role to take up a job in the NFL.

Beard has overseen the introduction of modern fitness facilities at the Welsh Rugby Union's centre of excellence during his time in the job.

His departure comes just six months before the start of the World Cup, although pre-tournament training camps as far afield as Qatar and Poland have already been sorted.

An unnamed NFL franchise has offered Beard a job as high peformance director, and Wales head coach Warren Gatland could not stand in his way.

Gatland said: "While I am disappointed that Adam is leaving before the World Cup, this is an opportunity that only comes around once in a lifetime, and to attract this interest from the NFL shows how far our high performance reputation has grown in recent years.

"The team he is part of now work to systems and structures which are precise, effective and challenging to all the players we select and monitor.

"Because the conditioning and nutrition team are working to a closely devised plan, we can ensure that we look for the very best person to replace Adam."

Beard said: "While I am disappointed to miss out on an exciting year ahead, I am confident we have put in place an excellent performance programme and have the team in place to deliver it.

"I think Wales has some of the best practitioners in the game, and I have enjoyed working closely with them to provide a platform for our players to flourish on the international stage."