A Rugby Journey -Mark Bennett
Arriving in New Zealand last November, Head of Athletic Performance at Blues Rugby, Mark Bennett has made Puhoi his home. Together with his wife Helen, they are enjoying the village life after years of adventure following Mark’s career.
Mark Bennett’s life has been defined by his passion for rugby. It all began when he was just seven years old, playing the sport at his primary school in the UK where his teacher, Mr. Phillips, a Royal Air Force veteran, passed on his deep enthusiasm for the game. From those early days Mark’s talent on the field was evident.
He went on to play professional rugby in the UK, representing both Cardiff and Bristol. Mark’s dedication and skill eventually led him to the international stage, where he proudly wore the Welsh jersey. His first cap for Wales came during the 1995 Rugby World Cup in South Africa, where he faced the formidable New Zealand team. His career continued to flourish until 1999 when a playing injury forced him into an early retirement while at Bristol. Yet, rugby wasn’t done with Mark.
With a Master’s degree in sport science, Mark transitioned into a coaching role, becoming a strength and conditioning coach at Bristol. This opportunity allowed him to stay connected to the game he loved, but in a new capacity. His expertise in sports science and conditioning made him a sought-after figure in rugby circles. Over the years, he took on various roles, including heading up the Strength and Conditioning departments for the Welsh National team, where he played a part in two Grand Slam victories. He also contributed to the success of Ospreys Rugby, helping the team secure two league titles before taking on the role of Head of Sports Science and Medicine for the English Rugby Football Union (RFU).
In 2021, Mark’s career took an unexpected turn when he accepted a role in the backroom staff of Alexander Zverev, a rising star in the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) circuit. This new venture into the world of tennis was both challenging and rewarding. Mark found the experience enjoyable, though it was vastly different from the world of rugby. Under his guidance for two years, Zverev’s performance soared, and he climbed from seventh to second in the ATP world rankings. Zverev also won a singles gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics and claimed victory at the ATP Finals, the tennis equivalent of the world championships.
Despite the thrill of working in tennis and travelling to exotic locations like Mexico, California, Miami, and Doha, the demanding lifestyle took its toll. The constant travel, living out of a suitcase, and being away from his wife, Helen, made Mark realise that a change was needed. The desire for a more stable and balanced life with family led him to step away from tennis.
Mark’s path eventually led him to New Zealand, thanks in part to his connections with Andrew Hore, CEO of the Blues, having worked together at the Welsh and Ospreys teams, and Vern Cotter, the Blues’ head coach, who consulted for World Rugby in 2023 with him. When the opportunity arose to interview for the role of Head of Athletic Performance at the Blues, Mark seized it.
In his current role, Mark is responsible for ensuring that the players are fit to perform at their best, playing the game of rugby the coaches aspire to, while also keeping them healthy throughout the season. He feels fortunate to have inherited a department with an exceptional staff, including physiotherapists, a doctor, strength and conditioning coaches, a nutritionist, and a sports scientist. Mark notes that many would be surprised by the immense time and effort required in the off-season to prepare players, as well as the daily work necessary to maintain their health and fitness throughout the season.
Mark is committed to building on the team’s success and generating a development pathway to educate up-and-coming coaches in the Auckland region. As Mark looks forward to the future with the Blues, he’s equally excited about the life he and Helen are building in their new home.