Brumbies coach fires Friendly warning
Wed, 09 Jul 2008 11:26
Brumbies new head coach Andy Friend has wasted no time in talking a big game, saying that his team can go all the way and win the 2009 Super 14 championship.
Friend, who started his new job in Canberra on Wednesday, says the talent in the Brumbies' squad is as good as any other team in the competition.
"There's no question we have the talent in the squad to win the title next year. No question. Our challenge is to develop the mental and physical toughness to play to our potential every week of the tournament," Friend said according to a Brumbies media release.
"It's as simple as that. The Super 14 is a short competition. We have to start well and produce our best effort every week".
Friend, who was most recently the head coach of Harlequins in the UK, has also committed his team to playing entertaining rugby.
"The Brumbies' have a reputation around the world for playing imaginative, exciting rugby," he said.
"That won't change on my watch. I want the players to have the skills, the fitness and the confidence to back themselves. To be decisive. To react quickly and not be afraid of making mistakes.
"We will put our opponents under pressure for every minute of every game."
Friend will spend the next few days in meetings with his new coaching staff and players. He'll also be meeting with representatives of the local rugby community and attending the Australian Schoolboys Championship which is currently underway in Canberra.
The new Brumbies coach said he will also be putting a particular emphasis on his team being a key part of the local community.
"The Brumbies are an icon of the local Canberra and region community. I want to build on that.
"I want all our people to be accessible and out in the community at schools, the universities, local rugby clubs and other events.
"I want our supporters to get to know us and to build the sort of connection we need to succeed. We really are in this together and I want our supporters to understand just how important they are to our success.
"It's an exciting time for Rugby in Australia and I'm delighted to have the chance to coach such a great team," he continued.
