BIRMINGHAM HURRICANES are seeking a new head of strength and conditioning following Carl Foulstone’s departure, with sports therapist Helen Gray, another key member of the backroom team, also moving on.
The successful applicant for the S and C post will have a key role as coach Mark Dunning tries to mark the name change from Midlands Hurricanes by improving on the 13 wins (and a draw) from 24 which brought an eight-place finish this year, with his players often commended for their fitness levels.
Experienced operator Foulstone, nicknamed Pottsy, worked for the old Salford, then Huddersfield (he crossed the Pennines alongside Ian Watson when he got the Giants coaching job in late 2020), before taking up his role last November. He was also with the Jamaica squad during the 2022 World Cup.
Now he is set to head back to Super League, and Dunning said: “Pottsy has been great for us and has along with the other staff has worked tirelessly alongside his full-time job to provide the team with the best possible tools and opportunities to maximise their performances.
“But since leaving Huddersfield he has made no secret of his desire to be full-time (in Rugby League) again.
“Helen originally stood in to help us when we were without a physio and has found herself still here up to now.
“Nothing was too much trouble for her and she worked hard to support the team behind the scenes alongside her studies and her job.
“As with Pottsy, we all thank Helen for her work and wish her the very best going forward.”
The club who were at one time Coventry Bears, believe being known as Birmingham rather than Midlands will give them a clear identity in the second city, where they have played since 2022.
