One of the NFL's leading sprint and performance specialists has joined the IRFU and will work as Head of Athletic Performance and Science within the federation.

Nick Winkelman has worked with American footballers preparing to make their transition into the National Football League through the NFL Combine and Draft process.

Nick joins the IRFU from the US based company EXOS where he held the position of Director of Education and Training Systems. 

"As a performance coach, Nick has been running the EXOS NFL Combine development program for the last seven years," the federation said in a statement today.

"In his ten years at EXOS, Nick has supported a diversity of athletes across sport (NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL) and the armed services."

IRFU Performance Director David Nucifora said: "We are delighted to welcome Nick to the IRFU's High Performance Unit.  He is a world leader in his area of expertise and will bring a wealth of knowledge and new capabilities to how we develop, manage and assess the physical performance of our professional players."

Honored to join @IrishRugby as the Head of Athletic Performance & Science. So excited to call Ireland our new home! pic.twitter.com/h0UHr1jS3i

— Nick Winkelman (@NickWinkelman) March 22, 2016