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Making Mark with Hornets

Bill McLaughlin
24/ 7/2008

AFTER injury ended his playing career, former Salford City Reds forward Mark Edmondson has turned to coaching the next generation of local rugby league stars.

The ex-St Helens and Sydney Roosters blockbuster is giving Irlam Hornets the benefits of his vast experience after his Super League career was ended by a serious shoulder injury while training with Castleford at the start of this year.

The 28-year-old former England international was devastated when he was forced to call time on his successful career. But he is determined to stay in the sport and has been appointed joint head coach of Irlam alongside player/coach John Brookes.

Edmondson has also become a life coach, personal trainer and a model with Boss Manchester Modelling Agency since hanging up his boots.

He said: "I have had seven months out of the game but rugby league is in the blood.

"When Irlam approached me to help with the coaching I thought it would be a great way to keep in touch with the game and give something back to the sport I love.

"They are a great set of lads at Hornets. The team are willing to learn and adapt to new training methods. We will be going through a full package of rugby training to develop their fitness and ball skills."

Hornets’ John Connor said: "Mark has already had a major impact at the club and we had over 25 in training at the first session."

Any players interested in joining the club, which will run a first and second team in the forthcoming season, should go to their training sessions at the Acorn Centre, Cutnook Lane, Irlam, on Tuesday and Thursday nights between 7pm and 8.30pm.