Essex Cricket’s Head of Athlete Development & Lead Physiotherapist, Chris Clarke-Irons has left the Club to take up an exciting position as Sri Lanka Cricket’s National Team Lead Physiotherapist.
In his role as Head of Athlete Development, Chris has grown the Medical Department at Essex into one of the leading counties in the domestic game with fitness, conditioning and rehabilitation playing a pivotal part in the sustained period of success since the team gained promotion to Division One in 2016.
Since joining in 2011 as the Second XI Physiotherapist, he has integrated science and medicine to the forefront of day-to-day training regimes at the Club from the Age Group Player Pathways and Academy through to the First Team squads.
Chris will link up with former Head Coach, Chris Silverwood at Sri Lanka Cricket and everyone at the Club wishes him the very best of luck in his new job in international cricket.
We are pleased to announce that the Club’s Strength & Conditioning Coach, Harry McQueen will lead the Medical Team moving forward in his new role as Head of Sports Science & Medical Services alongside Physiotherapist, Julian Chamberlain-Carter.
Head Coach, Anthony McGrath, said: “Chris will be a big loss to Essex Cricket with his vast experience and dedication to the Club for 12 years. His work within the Medical Department has helped us to develop one of the fittest squads and has helped us generate success on the field season after season.
“Chris has formed a highly skilled team at the Club with Harry McQueen now taking the lead and on behalf of myself, the Coaching team and the players, we wish him well in his new position.”
Chris Clarke-Irons said: “I couldn’t have asked for anything more during my time at the Club and I wish to thank all the coaches, players and staff who I’ve been fortunate enough to work with over the years.
The role has included so many unforgettable memories and has also enabled me to experience other areas of elite sport through opportunities to help with the ECB’s Pace Programme and England’s ODI tour of Australia in 2018.
“I leave the Club in a great place and Harry McQueen will do a fantastic job in leading the Medical Team going forward.”
