Advertisement

'His knowledge is second to none' - Springboks recruit Saracens strength and conditioning coach

Andy Edwards replaces Aled Walters for the Springboks - GETTY IMAGES
Andy Edwards replaces Aled Walters for the Springboks - GETTY IMAGES

Saracens have announced that strength and conditioning coach Andy Edwards will leave the club after 16 years to take up a role with South Africa's coaching staff.

Edwards will replace Aled Walters as part of the world champions' backroom staff, with Walters having recently joined Leicester Tigers as head of strength and conditioning.

Edwards initially joined Saracens as a player in 2004, before becoming senior strength and conditioning coach in 2009 and then head of strength and conditioning since 2014.

He was hailed in a number of tributes by Saracens players following news of his departure, including England hooker Jamie George and lock Maro Itoje. Edwards worked closely with Saracens 2008 academy group which included Jackson Wray, Will Fraser, Owen Farrell, George and George Kruis.

“I can’t speak highly enough of Andy and the impact he has had at Saracens,” said George. “Our group [class of 2008] has grown up together and it’s been amazing to see him develop into one of, if not the best, S&C coaches around.

“I don’t think I’ve ever met someone who is as good at their job. He’s incredibly committed, knowledgeable but more importantly understanding.

“I consider him one of my closest mates and I’m gutted for him to be leaving but it’s an amazing opportunity with South Africa and one he massively deserves.”

Rugby Nerd REFERRAL (article)
Rugby Nerd REFERRAL (article)

Itoje added: “Andy has been a great coach and friend to me over the last seven years whilst he has been my person coach. His knowledge of what needs to be done is second to none.

“He’s a great Saracen, he’s been here since he was very young, he knows the club inside and out and we’re very sorry to see him leave. It’s a tremendous opportunity for him and his family to go to South Africa and I wish him all the best and he will always be missed at Saracens.”

Speaking about his next step, Edwards said: “Firstly, I’d like to say thank you to the Wray family for everything they have done for me since a was a teenager. Secondly to Mark [McCall] and Phil [Morrow, head of performance] for all the support they have given me over so many years. I’m truly grateful for the time I’ve had at Saracens.

“I can’t quite believe that I won’t be coming into work here anymore after 15 years of coaching, I’ve grown up at the club and have been a part of something that has given me some of the best times of my life.

“I have had the chance to work with some of the best players, coaches and support staff in the world but more importantly I get to call them my mates as I leave.

“I’m excited to move to Cape Town with my family and begin a new adventure with the South African national team. It’s an unbelievable opportunity for me personally and I’m looking forward to the challenge ahead."