WIDNES Vikings have announced that Chris Baron has been appointed as Head of Strength and Conditioning ahead of the 2016 season.

Baron will bring significant experience to the Vikings first team environment from a ten-year career driving strength and conditioning practises in Rugby League and Rugby Union.

Baron has previously played a key role in the successes of Leicester Tigers, Warrington Wolves and England Rugby League.

"He has an impressive CV that includes multiple Grand Finals, Challenge Cup Finals and Heineken Cup Finals. He joins the Vikings from Sydney Roosters.

Baron is looking forward to working with the Vikings and commented on his new role: “I am really excited about starting work with the Vikings. I think the Club is a sleeping giant with massive potential.

"I like the sound of the plans at the club. There is a good vibe about the place and everyone I speak to agrees the staff and players are really hard working. There is something special that is brewing slowly and there is momentum gathering for some great success.

"When I got the first phone call from Denis Betts about working with the team I felt humbled. This is a club I have looked at for a long time and have been impressed by on and off field activity.

"When you hear what’s going on at the club it is all so exciting.

"Awards like last year’s ‘Club of the Year’ bode for an exciting future. The club is going in the right direction and I want to be at the Vikings when, not if, the success comes.”

Denis Betts commented on the new addition to his backroom staff: “Chris is a great capture for us and will enhance our performance staff with his experience.”

Jon Clarke has joined Warrington Wolves as head of strength and conditioning.