FORMER Wales hooker Huw Bennett has been appointed as Wales assistant strength and conditioning coach.

The 30-year-old from Ebbw Vale, who made 51 appearances for Wales, will begin his role with the national squad management tomorrow.

With a degree in Sports Science from Swansea University, as a player Bennett appeared in three Rugby World Cups, won two Grand Slams and lifted four league titles. Bennett retired from rugby in 2013, playing his final match for Wales in the 2012 RBS 6 Nations.

"I'm extremely excited to be joining the backroom team and to take up the new role,” said Bennett.

"It's an environment I know very well having been involved in it for 10 to 12 years as a player and I'm delighted to have the opportunity to return in this capacity.

"The squad has gone through a lot of success in recent years and with the Rugby World Cup just around the corner it's an exciting time to be involved.

"For me it's a great opportunity to bring together my degree in Sports Science, my passion for strength and conditioning and my rugby experience to hopefully add value and complement the existing performance department.”