The United Cricket Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Shane Jabaar as physiotherapist for the national cricket team.

Jabaar, who will join the national team at their training camp at SuperSport Park, Centurion, on 31 July, has been involved in the structures of the UCB since 1997 when he first worked with the South African Under 19 team. Since then, Jabaar, who is currently working as a senior musculoskeletal physiotherapist at a clinic in London, has worked extensively with the South African Under 19 and South Africa 'A' team. Before joining cricket, Jabaar played soccer for the South African team (1989), and worked as a physio for the South African men's hockey team as well as for several junior soccer teams.

"It has been fantastic to work in cricket and I have always been passionate about the game and the people who play it. I realise this is a position that carries immense responsibilities, particularly as we move towards the world cup and I look forward to working with the national team management and support staff - including the fitness trainer, Andrew Gray - to ensure our players are all in peak physical condition and injury-free for the challenges that lie ahead," Jabaar said from London today.

Jabaar plans to return to South Africa permanently to take up his duties with the national team. His appointment is effective from 1 August 2002.

"I'd like to welcome Shane on board in our national team structures, although he has been a part of the cricket family for a long time. We know he has the necessary experience with cricket injuries and that he will form an important part of the team that works around the national squad," said UCB CEO Gerald Majola today.

© United Cricket Board of South Africa