WICB Hires Aussie Strength Coach
Australian strength and conditioning coach Bryce Cavanagh will join the West Indies Cricket Board's team operations unit to take control of fitness level tests and required standards for players at first class and international level.
Cavanagh becomes the fourth Australian to join the unit since the hiring of Bennett King as head coach and chief selector. Assistant coach David Moore and physiotherapist Stephen Partridge were both handpicked by King to join the coaching staff.
Cavanagh, who is due in the Caribbean in time for this weekend's third Test in Barbados, leaves his post as Physical Performance Manager within the New South Wales Waratahs'Rugby Union playing division.
As Strength and Conditioning Coordinator, Cavanagh will be expected to identify qualified strength and conditioning trainers across the region and in consultation with these WICB approved trainers, establish fitness level tests and required standards for players at first class and international level.
He has been given a two-year contract and tasked with producing strength and conditioning trainers in the Caribbean to carry on the necessary programmes at all levels.
Cavanagh is also required to produce fitness programmes for players in West Indies teams designed to create a well rounded athlete in the areas of strength and conditioning, coordination, speed, agility, power and balance.
The WICB said Cavanagh was hired "after a regional and international search."
He is also expected to liaise with the WICB's Medical Panel and the West Indies Team Physiotherapist to ensure there is a co-ordinated and planned approach to the medical services provided to, and fitness preparation of, the players for West Indies teams.
Cavanagh spent the last five years with New South Wales Rugby prior to which he completed tertiary qualifications at the University of Technology, Sydney and the Australian Catholic University, Sydney where he acquired a Sports Science Degree with Honours and a Graduate Diploma in Education. These studies involved a thesis focusing on Biomechanics along with the theory of sport science and education/coaching, the board said.
His work experience with elite teams in professional sport, including the Waratahs, extends to the management of an entire Strength and Conditioning program, encompassing programming and implementation of physical parameters, liaison with medical, dietician staff and subsequent implementation of rehab and nutrition programs as well as development and maintenance of various databases of physical records.