ONE of the scientists helping the Scarlets reach their peak performance on the pitch has been invited Down Under to talk about his work studying their sleep patterns.

Rhys Jones, Scarlets' Sports Scientist and Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach, is speaking at the Australian Strength and Conditioning Association Conference in Melbourne from November 8 to 10.

As part of his PhD studies at Swansea University, Rhys has been studying the physical cost of rugby on players. One area Rhys researched was the effect that games have on players' sleep patterns and whether they affect performance and recovery. His study is being published in the Australian Strength & Conditioning Journal, recognising the world-leading work that is being done by the Scarlets' Athletic Performance & Sports Medicine team.

Picture shows (from left): Dr Liam Kilduff of Swansea University, Rhys Jones and Brad Harrington,Head of Athletic Performance at the Scarlets ©Riley Sports Photography

While he is in Australia Rhys will also attend sessions at Melbourne Storm Rugby League and Melbourne Rebels Super 15.

The research has been undertaken in partnership with the Applied Sports Technology, Exercise and Medicine (A-STEM) Research Centre at Swansea University.

Brad Harrington, Head of Athletic Performance at the Scarlets said: "Over the last six years we, have forged a great relationship with Dr Liam Kilduff and Swansea University that has enabled us to carry out a number of research projects within professional and semi-professional rugby union.

"As a result of our relationship with Swansea University, Rhys has been able to study and complete his PhD and the research carried out by Rhys over the last three years has made a big impact on our programme and allows us to stay at the forefront of sports science and athletic development strategies within the sport of professional rugby union.

"To have been selected from hundreds of applicants and invited to present some of our latest research at the Annual ASCA conference is a huge honour, not only for the Scarlets, but for Rhys and Swansea University.

"I would like to thank Dr Liam Kilduff, Swansea University and Rhys Jones for their support of our programme over the last number of years and wish Rhys all the best and safe travels as he represents us in Australia."

Dr. Liam Kilduff, Associate Professor at Applied Sports Technology, Exercise and Medicine (A-STEM) Research Centre, Swansea University added: "Over the last number of years we have developed a very strong working relationship with Scarlets Rugby which is mutually beneficial. We strive to ensure our research and teaching is world-leading and this link with the Scarlets ensures this is the case.

"Scarlets rugby are a world class organisation that really complements Sports Science here at Swansea University on a number of fronts".

The Australian Strength & Conditioning Association (ASCA) is the professional development body for strength and conditioning coaches in Australia, representing over 6000 accredited strength and conditioning coaches of athletes and teams from school and club levels through to Olympic and professional levels.

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