Tigers' Hamilton signs for Crusaders
Sat, 26 Apr 2008 13:31
Former Leicester Tigers player and current specialist scrum-half coach and video analyst Jamie Hamilton is set to move to New Zealand to begin a new life with the Crusaders.
Hamilton will work for the most successful side in the history of Super rugby as he moves to the Southern Hemisphere for what he describes as a 'family decision'.
"It is a massive step taking my whole family over to the other side of the world, but we are really looking forward to it," he said.
"It’s a great lifestyle out there and that’s part of the reason why I want to go. There’s snowboarding and wakeboarding all within a short drive and my wife is really excited too. I have a two-year-old and a seven-month old child and it will be a big change for all of us."
Next Sunday’s clash with Newcastle will be Hamilton’s last with Tigers, although he is likely to return as a spectator for the game against the Classic All Blacks at Welford Road on May 25.
"I’ll be joining up with the Crusaders in Brisbane for their game against the Reds on May 7 but I’ll be coming back to Leicester at the end of the Super 14 before starting my new job full time at the end of June. I’ll also be working with Canterbury in the Air New Zealand Cup."
The 37-year-old, who is one of only seven players to have won five league winners medals with Tigers, joined the club as a scrumhalf 18 years ago before beginning his career as a video analyst during the 2002/03 season.
"I have been doing the job with Leicester for five years and before that, they had no technological help whatsoever. It is very new to rugby but has become a massive part of the game. Every club has an analyst and every team has massive libraries detailing teams and players.
