UWTSD appoints distinguished academic and practitioner as Professor of Practice
The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) is delighted to announce the appointment of Professor Peter Herbert as Professor of Practice, recognising an exceptional career spanning elite sport, exercise physiology, clinical collaboration, research and lifelong athletic achievement
Professor Herbert is internationally renowned for his contribution to exercise physiology and human performance, with a particular focus on ageing, health and physical capacity. His appointment will strengthen UWTSD’s teaching, research, innovation and public engagement, while creating new opportunities for students and staff to connect with leading expertise across sport, health and human performance.
Peter’s distinguished career in elite sport includes serving as Fitness Conditioning Coach for the Llanelli Scarlets from 1985 to 2000, before becoming Head of Fitness and Conditioning at the Welsh Rugby Union, with sole responsibility for the Welsh National Team. He subsequently served as Director of the WRU Exercise Physiology Laboratory, overseeing its conception and operational development.
His work has consistently focused on translating scientific evidence into practical approaches that can improve health, fitness and performance. His research into exercise and ageing has demonstrated the considerable potential for structured, accessible exercise programmes to improve physical capacity in later life, with older adults achieving levels of performance comparable with considerably younger individuals.
Associate Professor Dr Nalda Wainwright, Director of the Wales Academy for Health and Physical Literacy, said:
“It is rare to find a lifetime of professional practice at the highest level combined with cutting-edge research and a sustained commitment to applying that knowledge to transform approaches to fitness and physical activity in older age. Professor Herbert’s career uniquely brings these strands together, providing an exceptional bridge between elite performance, academic research and the promotion of lifelong health and wellbeing.
Professor Herbert has also explored efficient, time-effective approaches to strength and conditioning, demonstrating that relatively short training interventions can deliver significant benefits. His work has helped inform programme design, community interventions and clinical practice, contributing to wider public understanding of the importance of exercise throughout the lifespan.
Alongside his academic and professional achievements, Professor Herbert remains a remarkable example of lifelong physical activity and performance.”
A lifelong athlete, he is a world-record-holding Concept2 rower and recently broke the 100m sprint rowing record on his 80th birthday. He continues to compete internationally in cycling and won Bronze in the 500m sprint at the UCI Masters World Championships. In 2025, aged 80, he also prepared to compete in the global HYROX fitness event in Cardiff, becoming one of the oldest competitors to complete the full challenge.
His continued commitment to performance, wellbeing and lifelong learning closely reflects the values of UWTSD.
Commenting on his appointment, Professor Peter Herbert said:
“I am delighted to be joining UWTSD as a Professor of Practice. The University provides an exciting environment in which academic knowledge, practical experience and innovation can come together. I look forward to working with students and colleagues, contributing to research and helping to develop initiatives that demonstrate the importance of exercise, health and performance across the lifespan.
“I am particularly keen to use my experience and international profile to support UWTSD’s work and to help showcase the University’s teaching, research and innovation to wider audiences.”
Dr Dylan Blain, Academic Director for Sport and Healthy Living at UWTSD, said:
“We are delighted to welcome Peter as Professor of Practice at UWTSD and look forward to our continued collaborations in a range of areas. This represents due recognition of his significant contribution to the fields of sport, exercise, fitness and health. Peter’s work and experience span the full breadth of courses offered within the School of Sport and Healthy Living at UWTSD, and we are grateful for his support and guidance in all that we do. We look forward to our continued work with Professor Herbert in an exciting future for the school”
Further Information
Lowri Thomas
Principal Communications and PR Officer
Corporate Communications and PR
Email: lowri.thomas@uwtsd.ac.uk
Phone: 07449 998476