Coaching Conundrum from Club to Country

January 8, 2016 Posted in B.C. Rugby / C.R.C's / Canada Rugby / Coaching / CW Rugby / Men's Reserve Div / News / NSMT / Prems / Senior Men / Senior Women

Since our last blog, NSMT’s coach, Kieran Crowley has handed in his ticket. Following a recent review, Crowley’s contract was extended for another two years with the NSMT. There has been much reported by rugby scribes across the country as well as rugby fans, in relation to the review and no doubt, the coach felt he was under the cosh.. It appears that he has signed on as coach of Treviso, Italy in the Guinness Pro 12 League. Gareth Rees, Senior Men’s Team Manager has said that the wheels are in place to seek applications for a replacement and that Crowley’s resignation came as an absolute shock. In the interim, Francois Ratier, NSWT’s Coach will resume responsibilities for the upcoming ARC.

During Crowley’s eight years at the helm, the Men’s team slipped from 13th to 19th in World rankings however, no matter what your opinions might be about the coaching situation, Crowley worked hard and did his best for Canadian rugby, a cause which he took to heart, along with his assimilation into our community, which he thoroughly enjoyed. He is deserving of our thanks and best wishes. There are many who advocate for the appointment of a Canadian coach. This writer is of the opinion that the best candidate must be appointed. We see Kiwis coaching Wales, Scotland, U.S.A. and most likely Japan (Jamie Joseph); an Aussie coaching England; a Frenchman coaching Italy; an Englishman coaching Fiji and a Welshman coaching Italy. Personally, although I like the idea, I am far from convinced that our country’s National Coach needs to be a native Canuck. The “best available” coaches would be well aware of the geographical, financial and developmental challenges of the Canadian job and it may be such that the best available is a Canadian. One can conclude that it is time for change and perhaps Crowley has permitted the powers that be, an open door, no matter what, the coming days will be interesting.

Still on the coaching front, it is of interest to note that the U.S.A. has appointed John Mitchell, a former All Black player and coach, whose last coaching job was with Sale Sharks after winning the Currie Cup with the Lions and formerly, a stint with the Western Force. He also was an assistant with England’s National Men’s Team and worked with London Welsh - a rather storied vitae. Mitchell was reported to have “player issues” in South Africa with the Lions but his credentials are solid and like players, coaches improve and move on. He has worked with Nigel Melville, CEO of U.S. Rugby in the past. Again, another case of the coming days being of interest as neighbours seek to scrap their way higher up the world rankings.

Locally, the B.C. Bears have just announced a new coach for the coming season. UBCOB’s, Gabriel Fulcher has been appointed. Fulcher, an Irishman with good pedigree having played in seventeen tests for the National side and coached at Belvedere and St. Mary’s. Gabe’s club side was the Irish Exiles in London. Fulcher links with Mike James as Manager. This is a strong duo and just maybe, players might be strongly motivated to play for the Bears now that it is abundantly clear that the CRC is the sole path to National selection. CW wishes both men well in the upcoming campaign.

The final word on coaching relates to CW. Unfortunately, Ian Hyde-Lay has been forced to step to the side due to a number of factors. The Executive unanimously endorsed assistant, Lee Lindwall to the role of Head Coach, following a December meeting. Lee will be ably supported by Chris May, Roger Robinson and Noah Molia with Hydes on video analysis. Lee has been a constant with the club’s senior men for the past ten years, serving as Head Coach in 2007/08 and as co-coach for the past five seasons. Lee has an IRB Level 3 certificate and also his Level 2 certificate with the ARU. CW is a young side this year although there is experience in the group. To ensure success everyone will need to work hard to pull together. Go, you Tricolors!

A reminder that Club Strength Training takes place this coming Monday, 11th @ 7:15 p.m. at Crossfit (Pembroke St.) and field training is on Tuesday 12th, at 7:00 p.m. at Tyndall Field (Gordon Head). CW Women train on Tuesday, 12th at 6:00 p.m. @ Tyndall Field (Gordon Head). The men start their campaign with exhibition matches against UBCOB Ravens, next Saturday, 16th at Windsor Park.