Paul Darbyshire - former Head of Strength and Conditioning, Munster

eroo

Wouldn't be a regular poster in here but just wanted to pop in and say how happy I was to see Paul Darbyshire being at the centre of celebrations on Saturday.

As a Munster fan, and as a strength and conditioning coach, I would like to express my gratitude to Paul for all the work he has done with the squad.. work that goes unnoticed by most fans. He has worked with them for 4 years; in that time Munster won a Heineken Cup, 2 Magners League trophies and a good proportion of that Munster squad helped Ireland to their first Grand Slam in 61 years.

So I would like to thank Paul for his hard work in developing Munster and Irish rugby over the last 4 years. I wish him and his family well in the future, and that they will be strong during this difficult time.

eroo

Paul passed away this morning. My condolences to his family, friends and team mates.

Thanks again Paul. Rest In Peace.

Badgermonkey

Ah God, that's very sad.

Nice piece on BBC's Rugby league page.

Warrington legend Paul Darbyshire has passed away aged 41 after a battle with motor-neurone disease.
He spent 18 years with the Wire, making his debut as a player in March 1989 and went onto make 106 appearances, scoring 60 points in all competitions.

Darbyshire remained at Warrington after his retirement and was assistant to four head coaches during his time. He joined Irish rugby union side Munster in June 2007 as head of strength and conditioning.

"He was a tough character who was very much larger than life and always gave more than he got," said former Warrington head coach Paul Cullen, under whom Darbyshire worked as an assistant. "He played well above his height and weight and physical prowess really, but he made a mark on a rugby league field."

Darbyshire also made his mark when he loved to union with Munster.
"They have a different set of standards to anything I've seen before," Cullen told BBC Radio Manchester. "And Paul Darbyshire found himself in very good company.

"He was very good for Munster rugby, and they were very good to him and his family.
"The fact that they have taken an Englishman to their hearts speaks volumes, as they realise the qualities of individual more than anything else."

NikNak8

I was very sad when I read about Pauls death this morning. My sympathies are with his young family and friends at this difficult time.

TopOfTheRight

Awful stuff, RIP Paul

banshee_bones

Very sad. A fitting tribute that there is currently a charity cycle on for him, sad timing though for the Munster players taking part.

http://www.tcd.ie/Communications/news/news.php?headerID=1894&vs_date=2011-6-1

RMD

Very sad. I thought it was beautiful to see the players surround him with the trophy in the final, it made me happy we lost that much just to see the happiness it brought him.

RIP, condolences to his family.