Wasps appoint Olympic champion Darren Campbell as sprint coach

Olympic champion Darren Campbell has joined Aviva Premiership rugby team Wasps as the club’s new sprint coach for the 2015-16 season.

Working in a consultancy role, Campbell will aim to improve the technical aspects of players’ running and increase their pace and acceleration.

He has previously advised at a number of professional football clubs, including Chelsea, Cardiff City and Everton, as well as working with individual players.

“Many players haven’t actually been taught how to run,” Campbell said.

“When you’re in school you just run, but when you get to higher levels there’s a lot more detail in how you run, so that’s what I try to pass on to these guys.

“Even the flyers in the Wasps squad who are quick rely more on natural ability, intuition and strength training – rather than really honing in on their technique – so that’s where I hope I can help them improve a little.”

Following the first Campbell-led session, Wasps’ Christian Wade said he’s already gained from the experience.

“The last time I was focussing on out-and-out speed training was when I was 16 or 17,” Wade said.

“I really enjoyed looking at it in more detail again. The players have huge respect for what Darren has achieved in athletics and many grew up watching him, so he had everyone’s full attention as they tried to absorb his advice and we all saw improvements, even after a half an hour session.”

A European record holder for the 4x100m relay, Campbell was part of the 4x100m Team GB gold medal winning team at the 2004 Athens Olympics and also won silver in the 200m at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.