Maximising sporting performance

Professional sport is now recognised as a multibillion pound global industry. Measuring success by performance on the stock market as well as on the pitch now carries a considerable potential human cost for all of the competing athletes.

For Ben Jones, Professor of Sports Physiology & Performance, his challenge is to maximise athletes’ potential and performance without limiting the length of their careers. “The work of sports scientists has never been so important. We want to maximise the athlete’s career without compromising any of their love for their sport or limiting their participation.”

He works closely with the coaches for professional rugby league and union clubs, including Super League champions Leeds Rhinos, Yorkshire Carnegie, Bath Rugby and Wasps, and staff at the Rugby Football League and Rugby Football Union. He brings his scientific knowledge directly on to the training ground. “Our work bridges the gap between academic research and the needs of professional clubs. Our blend of rigorous scientific research with the art of coaching improves the performance and the resilience of the athletes, which in turn benefits the club and, of course, the individual."