Roughyeds confirm GB powerlifter as strength and conditioning coach

Daniel Bedford has been appointed Oldham RLFC's Strength and Conditioning Coach for 2023.

Bedford will play a key role next season in getting the players as fit and as strong as possible.

Bedford, who won gold and bronze medals at the Commonwealth Powerlifting Championships in 2019 and was once ranked eighth in the world, says he is ‘excited’ to be on board at Oldham.

He has strength and conditioning experience with British Gymnastics, Warrington Wolves and St Helens and is keen to progress with the Roughyeds.

He becomes the latest to sign for Roughyeds from Almondbury Spartans, following Kian Morgan, Jordan Paga and George Hirst.

Bedford said: “I’m really excited.

"I know a few of the current players through the amateur club at which I’ve been helping out and I know their ability.

“After speaking to Stu and Shez it sounds like the club has ambitions of pushing hard for the Championship next season so I’m excited to be part of that ambition.”

Bedford has been a powerlifter for several years, first as a competitor and, more recently, as a coach.

He got into the sport after several bad injuries playing rugby league at Championship and League One levels.

He added: “This will be my first role as a lead s&c (strength and conditioning) coach so I’m excited to get into it.

“I will be doing the work in the gym to get the guys physically strong and as fit as possible

“Fitness wise we’ll be doing testing and making sure they’re doing the right things and staying fit enough for the job.”

Bedford, based in Brighouse, is a self-employed personal trainer in his day job.

Head coach Stuart Littler said: “We’re delighted to have him on board and I’d like to thank Chris (chairman Chris Hamilton) and the board for making it happen.

"They’ve bought into what we needed.

“Dan has done well to integrate with the squad since we started pre-season work and he’s clearly going to set some standards.

“He’s coming in with fresh ideas and, given that he’s played to a high level of rugby league, he’s got a bit of nous about the game too

“I’d like to thank Almondbury Spartans for how supportive they’ve been with the transition of him moving over and joining us and stepping up into the professional game.

“He’s someone who’s only going to add value to the organisation.”

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