Northampton Saints plc has appointed former Saints player and physiotherapist Phil Pask onto its board of directors. Current England Rugby physio Pask, who played 150 games for the club between 1986 and 1994, went on to become the club’s fitness trainer then head physiotherapist before having to step down midway through the 2002/03 season to concentrate on his commitments to England as well as to the British & Irish Lions in 2005.
Father-of-two Pask also works at his own practice, Witty, Pask & Buckingham, in Billing Road, Northampton.
Saints’ chairman Keith Barwell said today: “Some months ago, the directors agreed to look for one or two suitable new board members and Phil Pask’s name was on our list of people we wanted to approach.
“Phil is a Saintsman through and through with a knowledge of rugby that encompasses the local junior rugby scene, the Premiership, England and the Lions. He is fiercely loyal to this club and his knowledge and experience will prove to be invaluable, I’m sure.”
Head coach Paul Grayson said: “Phil is great bloke who I have known for as long as I have been at the club. He is obviously a huge supporter of Northampton Saints and his extensive knowledge of physiotherapy and fitness, in particular, will enable him to make a great contribution to the playing side of the club.”
Mr Pask, who was appointed as a non-executive director at last night’s board meeting, said: “I was extremely pleased to be asked to join the board of directors. This appointment marks the 20th year of my involvement with the club as I made my debut on Boxing Day in 1986!
“I am hoping I will be able to offer the rest of the board advice and an opinion from someone who is still involved in rugby on a day-to-day grassroots level as I have seen and experienced a lot from my travels with England and the Lions. But most importantly, I hope I can be of real support to Paul Grayson in all he is trying to achieve with the team.”
