Paul Darbyshire loses brave battle

FORMER Warrington Wolves’ player and strength and conditioning coach Paul Darbyshire has lost his brave battle against Motor Neurone disease.
Aged just 41 he passed away in his sleep peacefully this morning.
He was diagnosed last September and fought an inspiring battle against the illness before finally succumbing to it.
After leaving Warrington Paul became strength and conditioning coach at Munster, where news of his death was revealed to players and management this morning in Thomond Park, as they assembled for stage two of a charity bike ride in his honour.
The launch of the find-raising ride from Cork to Limerick was attended by his wife Lindsay yesterday.
The cycle will continue to Roscrea RFC today with the final Irish stage being completed tomorrow.
Paul made his debut for Warrington in March 1989 and during his playing career at the club which ran until 1997 he made 106 appearances scoring 60 points for the side. He kicked a goal in the 1990 Challenge Cup Final at Wembley in the defeat to Wigan.
Paul made a huge contribution to the Warrington club for 18 years as he continued on in a coaching and conditioning capacity after his playing days working under a number of coaches including Paul Cullen.
In 2007 Paul made the move to Munster where he continued in his work as a strength and conditioner.
A tribute to Paul will be made at this Friday’s game against St Helens.

Picture shows Paul during his playing days with Warrington Wolves as a member of the 1997 team photo.