ADE Gardner says the chance to become Warrington Wolves' new head of performance was too good to refuse.

He heads over to Wire as Jon Clarke's replacement from an assistant position at derby rivals St Helens.

Clarke, after 14 years as a Wire player and conditioning chief, has left to take up a position with England rugby union.

Former winger Gardner, 35, who has had a similar period with Saints, said: “Everything that Warrington offers is really innovative.

"I can’t speak highly enough of the staff at the club, they are very organised and professional.

"If you want to stay ahead of the curve you have to put that investment into the playing squad and the facilities which they have done.

"Knowing the performance staff has such a good reputation, with Jon Clarke outgoing and knowing how much time he’s invested into improving the department, I saw this as a really good opportunity for me to progress my career, from being an assistant at Saints coming into a top-notch high performance environment here at Warrington that rivals anywhere in Super League. It was too much to turn down.

“I will be looking to continue the good work that’s already been done over the last couple of years."

The Cumbrian, who won a Grand Final, World Club Challenge and four Challenge Cups with Saints, added: "From my perspective having been at Saints and having had a Rugby League playing career before that I will continue to be hard working, putting a lot of effort into the boys and continuing the work already in place.

“I’ve had the luxury of working at Saints over the last few years, ticking a lot of boxes working through the scholarship, academy and first team.

"When I looked at my career path post rugby this is what I wanted to do, make that step up to a head role.

"I feel prepared as Warrington have an outstanding squad to work with, some fantastic athletes and a great coaching staff who have had a lot of success this year and we hope to take it one step further next year.”

Wire head coach says Gardner, who has signed a two-year contract, is the perfect fit to take his team into the 2019 campaign.

“Ade had a distinguished playing career and he’s been involved in a system that has performed outstandingly well," he said.

"St Helens have been up there as one of the best in the league in terms of their conditioning, speed and dynamism.

"He knows about winning trophies. He comes from a hard-working background in Barrow and has invested in himself heavily since finishing playing.

"He went over to America, self-funded, to work with some renowned strength and conditioning coaches.

"He is highly rated within the St Helens camp; is young, ambitious and bright. He will be a great fit and acquisition for our club.”