England rugby union recruits yet another former Super League talent

[josie andrews]

Former Wigan Warriors and England Director of Performance Mark Bitcon joins England Rugby Union.

Bitcon has currently been the Head of Performance at Manchester City’s Academy since 2018.

Bitcon spent nine years as Director of Performance for the Warriors first team and was awarded Wigan Life Member at the 2018 End of Season Dinner Awards for his services to the game, where he bowed out with another Grand Final victory under Shaun Wane.

“We are delighted Mark has decided to join us,” said RFU Director of Performance, Conor O’Shea. “Alongside his undoubted rugby knowledge Mark is bringing back with him experiences from outside of the sport which will help us develop players and practitioners to become better.

Mark is obviously here to support the work of today but will be working within the pathways to help develop the players of tomorrow. Mark is a hugely important appointment for not just the RFU but the game as a whole and we are looking forward to him joining in January.”

Bitcon said: “I’m really looking forward to starting this role, it’s a great challenge and I am excited about working in Rugby Union again.

“I’m particularly looking forward to working with Conor, he has an excellent reputation in the game as a coach and in a leadership capacity. The opportunity to work with Conor and his management team is one of the main reasons why I was interested in the role and why the opportunity was too good to turn down. The RFU is a great brand and organisation which was also another major reason for accepting this exciting role.”

Bitcon will begin his new role in January 2022.

https://www.seriousaboutrl.com/england- ... ent-44846/

[fozzieskem]

He has been missed I suppose the only surprise it’s taken him so long to go over to the dark side

[jaws1]

He has been missed I suppose the only surprise it’s taken him so long to go over to the dark side
[/quoteHe has worked on the dark side before at international level.

[DaveO]

He has been missed I suppose the only surprise it’s taken him so long to go over to the dark side

Surprised he left Man City. The training complex and facilities they have are out of this world and I'd have thought he'd be very well paid there. If RU have dangled an even bigger carrot in front of him, good luck to him.