What does a performance director do anyway?

Do you actually know what his role has been for the past couple of years?

Why?

The world has moved on and you need elite support for elite level sport - does Jason Davidson provide that in the correct area where he can add value?

Part of his role is to ensure the players conditioning is where it needs to be for participation in elite sport

Head of athletic performance - what do you think that encompasses - do you think it might have something to do with the conditioning of the players?

I've no idea but he certainly doesn't lack the qualifications for the job.

Davison has moved around a bit - inevitable as he's been at the club so long.

Even if Hunwicks brings in a fresh voice and some different methods, there is value in that. This pre-season is going to have to be a brutal one, but also very well structured and tailored.

Anything that supports the critical development of our young players has to be welcomed, and the club clearly think this appointment is needed. It's all about young player development now, we have the players in the system. If our young players come back 5-10% stronger and fitter next year it will make a massive difference.

So it begs the question why do the club feel a change is needed?

Hunwicks is the best in the business at least in this hemisphere. Will be a fantastic appointment. Players will be in much better condition not just stronger but fitter and faster. The youngsters will really benefit from his experience and hopefully we will see the Rhino’s looking the real deal. I honestly think this one appointment is our best signing for 2022.

Physical development is obviously vital, but I do not think that at the top level there is a great deal of difference between the teams, or there shouldn't be. I remember seeing a video of Keiron Cunningham flogging the Saints players to death pre-season. Come the season they were crap. Holbrook & Woolf have shown the mental side is where the advantages are in elite sport.

I think getting players like Hurrell, Lolohea, Merrin, Lui, Martin etc. in there best possible shape would make them all a lot better players.