SAINTS have appointed Irishman Mick McGurn as their new fitness conditioner, replacing Aussie Nigel Ashley-Jones who has moved to Wigan Warriors.

Formerly srength and conditioning coach at Leeds Rhinos, McGurn is currently working with Ireland's Lincoln Financial World Cup squad and will join the Super League champions after the tournament.

The 25-year-old is qualified to Masters degree level in Sports Science and previously represented Ireland in cross country and athletics. He has also played Gaelic football for County Fermanagh.

His background includes work with the NFL's Philadelphia Eagles, NHL's Philadelphia Flyers and NBA's Philadelphia 49ers in gridiron, hockey and baseball. In 1994 he coached the County Fermanagh hurling team to the national title. His RL experience includes spells at Workington Town and Hull.

Meanwhile, Saints have confirmed that New Zealander Julian O'Neill and half-back Scott Barrow are leaving Knowsley Road. The pair wanted to stay but salary cap restrictions have forced their departure.

Football manager, Eric Hughes said: "Julian and Scott have been model professionals and great ambassadors for the club on and off the field. Unfortunately we don't have the funds available for them to be retained."

Castleford Tigers have pulled out of a move for Barrow after he delayed a decision whether to move to The Jungle.

O'Neill (27) has scored five tries in 126 appearances for Saints since joining the club from Auckland Warriors four years ago. Local product Barrow (20) has notched two tries in 23 first team matches, including 14 as sub.

The venue for the proposed World Club Challenge between Saints and Brisbane Broncos was due to be debated at a meeting of Super League clubs this week but the gathering was cancelled due to bad weather.

Saints are keen to stage the match -- set for Friday, January 26 -- at Knowsley Road but Super League bosses prefer Bolton or Wigan with more seating and undersoil heating available at those grounds.

Before then though Saints will visit Wigan Warriors in a friendly on Boxing Day, Monday December 26.

And the club are set to hold a winter training camp but are now considering La Manga in Spain instead of South Africa.

Harry Bryant, Saints' assistant coach, is in charge of Italy in next month's Emerging Nations World Cup. Italy are in the same group as Canada and USA, who include Vila Matautia and Julian O'Neill in their line-up.