IT has been quite a month for Woolston's Mark Russell.

He graduated from Swansea University with a first class honours degree, had his dissertation published and is now set to help the Welsh Rugby Union team prepare for the upcoming World Cup.

The 22-year-old will help the team's sports science consultant, Dr Liam Kilduff, with nutritional support for the team.

He will also help with the strengthening and conditioning of the players.

The Warrington Wolves fan said: "I have always been into rugby but I wouldn't say I support Wales - I'm a Warrington man."

Mark, of Timberscombe Gardens, hopes to be able to continue helping the Welsh team during the World Cup in September.

"They are in France at the moment, but hopefully, when they get back, I will stay with them," he said.

Mark hopes that his time with the Welsh team will be a stepping stone to a career in sports science support.

Dr Kilduff was Mark's university lecturer and asked him to help him with his work for the team after Mark's performance during his degree impressed him.

"When the squad approached me and required help Mark was one of the first people I thought of," Dr Kilduff said.

"It was because of his experience, temperament and conscientiousness which is very important when you're dealing with professional athletes," he said.

joanna.lean@guardiangrp.co.uk