DEVELOPMENT COACHING ROLES RECEIVES GENEROUS SUPPORT

With the continued generous support of a lifetime Blues and Auckland rugby supporter, the Blues will expand and fine-tune the role of the fulltime Development Coach in 2022.

Brian Wilsher, a long-time administrator, former Blues Director, Auckland Board member and life member of Pakuranga Rugby Club is funding the annual scholarship which is an important development role.

“Coach development is a key component of our provincial pathway plan with our partners of Northland, North Harbour and Auckland,” said Andrew Hewetson, Head of Performance Development at the Blues.

“With Brian Wilsher’s generous backing, we made a good start with the position this year although it was heavily curtailed with covid restrictions. With that experience, we have fine-tuned its direction and purpose.”

The position will have responsibility for the rugby specific development of the contracted development players, both NZR contracted and Blues-targeted players, and replacement players. The Development Coach will support the technical and tactical development of full contracted players and the provincial academy players.

The role will work closely with the Blues coaching group under head coach Leon MacDonald, assisting with coaching of players outside the match-day 23 to promote their development to a level that will enable all players to perform successfully at Super Rugby level.

That will also include helping with player inductions and transitions between the Blues Provincial Unions and clubs 

Hewetson has announced that Blues Under-20 Head coach Steven Bates will be the recipient of the Wilsher Scholarship as the Blues Development Coach for 2022.

“Steven had the role this year, but it was really in its formative stages, and his feedback has been an integral part of re-defining the role.

“We felt it was the best outcome that Steven be appointed for a full year in the role with the team, and with his understanding from 2021, we are confident that he will not only do an excellent job but allow us to provide the support mechanism for his development as a coach.”

Bates is a former All Black and Junior All Black who played for Auckland and Waikato along with the Chiefs before plying his trade as a loose forward in Japan for eight years.

He has been involved in schools and age grade coaching in North Harbour and Auckland as well as the Blues Under-20 side.