Former Wolves star Clarke set for life after rugby (From Warrington Guardian)

Former Wolves star Clarke set for life after rugby

11:40am Friday 22nd February 2013 in News

HE may not have decided when he is hanging his boots up yet but former Warrington Wolves hooker Jon Clarke has already got an eye on life after rugby.

The Widnes Vikings captain has set up his own strength and conditioning business to help the sporting stars of the future and has already enjoyed success as 15-year-old Harry Reardon won a scholarship with Jon’s former club after training with him.

The Challenge Cup winner said: “I’ve been told he’s head and shoulders above the other kids physically in terms of what he’s done.

“It’s great to get feedback like that from parents and know that what you have been doing is benefiting the kids.

“After playing rugby all your life and 18 years in an elite sporting environment, it’s nice to give something back that you have learnt along the way.”

The Optimal Strength and Conditioning success story follows five years of hard work as the ex-England man juggled studying a sport science and masters degree in strength and conditioning with the birth of daughter Ruby 12 months ago.

Thanks to the support of partner Cara, the utility man says he can now look forward to the more enjoyable part and work with more 11 to 16-year-olds as well as older athletes.

The super league stalwart added: “There has been a stigma attached to youth strength training however research shows that there are only benefits to children and adolescents.

“Apart from obvious performance benefits, it also positively impacts on their general health and good health habits at a young age often carry into adulthood.

“There’s been a huge push to encourage kids to be more active after the Xbox and Playstation era and I hope to help athletes optimise their potential in whatever sport they choose.”

For more details see @OptimalSC on Twitter or e-mail info@optimalstrengthandconditioning.co.uk.

HARRY Reardon’s dad Dominic said he has noticed a big difference in his son since he started training with Jon Clarke.

The Lymm High School pupil was signed up by Warrington Wolves and is now looking ‘fitter, quicker and stronger’ according to his dad.

He added: “Jon has improved Harry’s game and his attitude to the game so it’s not only physical but mental as well.

“Jon is highly thought of within the game because of his knowledge and it’s been great for Harry.”