Ulster's Steinmetz a 'double agent'
Mon, 25 Aug 2008 19:58
Ulster Rugby have confirmed that Paul Steinmetz will be employed in the role of player/coach for the 2008/09 season, with the New Zealander focusing on the backs.
Born in Paraparaumu, New Zealand, Steinmetz arrived at Ravenhill in October 2003 having previously played Super Rugby for both the Hurricanes and the Highlanders.
Steinmetz told ulsterrugby.com that he was delighted with his new role at the Magners League outfit.
"For me this is a huge opportunity to potentially bridge the gap between being a professional player and having a proper job as a coach," he said.
"The last few years I have found myself much more interested in coaching and during training I would analyse the coaching style and think a lot about what makes a good coach, so I guess in that sense I have been interested in the coaching side of things.
"The biggest fear I had about the shift in my role was whether or not the players would listen to me, but so far they seem to be keen to listen, so that's great. Coaching was never a lifetime ambition for me, but certainly at the end of this season I will be looking more into which direction I go on.
"I am learning a lot working alongside the management and support staff, there is plenty of knowledge to draw on every day."
