Ireland is coming to this year’s Festival of World Cups hoping to spring a few upsets on the more established nations and Orange’s Eoin Scullion is all set to help them do just that.
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Scullion, one of the men in charge of Orange Emus’ resurgent colts side, has landed a gig as the Irish students’ strength and conditioning coach for the 2017 Universities World Cup in July.
He’s pumped too.
“I’m super excited,” he enthused.
“I actually just sent them an expression of interest and then spoke to (Ireland Rugby League’s) Bill McKelvey and Carl DeChenu.
“I gave them a brief run down of my experience and they said they’d be delighted to have me.
“I know there’s a lot of work to be done so I’m trying to remain focused first and foremost.”
Scullion’s job will essentially be to keep the Irishmen in shape when they land on Australian shores, they’ll take on a number of tertiary sides including Australia, the Pacific Islands and Scotland.
After landing here several years ago, Scullion started with the Forbes Platypi in the 15-man code before linking with Orange Emus.
However, an injury brought his playing days to and end. That closed door opened another one though, and he set about starting his career as a coach.
“I’ve always been intrigued by physiology and strength training, all types, from gymnastics to powerlifting so when I finished playing it seemed like a natural fit,” he said.
“I started doing internships at rugby clubs at university and just putting myself out there to try and learn from the best in the business. I actually spent a few days down with the NSW Waratahs this week and I will be going back in the near future.
“I need to thank Paul Ringland and Jeremy Wallace, from Emus and RPT Orange, they welcomed me with open arms. They really push me to become better as coach and have been two really great mentors.”
Scullion is hoping this unique opportunity could open some more doors for him.
“Definitely, my eyes are firmly set on moving into professional sporting teams,” he said.
“But for now I’m happy as a personal trainer at RPT, looking after the Emus boys and hopefully helping Ireland to a successful World Cup campaign.”
The Festival of World Cups also includes the Defence Force’s competition, before the Rugby League World Cup-proper in October.
It’s held in western Sydney and runs from July 5 to July 17.