Another Kiwi in the Shark Tank
Tue, 23 Sep 2008 16:38
The Sharks have announced the appointment of Chris Boyd from New Zealand as assistant coach to fellow Kiwi John Plumtree for the Super 14 in 2009.
The Sharks' head coach, Plumtree, rates Boyd highly, having worked with him at the Wellington Lions in the Air New Zealand Cup competition.
Boyd's success with a high-calibre line-up of All Black backline players means his skills and experience will be used to extend the solid foundation already established in the Sharks' forwards.
"Chris comes with an established pedigree having worked with Plumtree at the Wellington Lions," Sharks CEO Brian van Zyl said.
"Since John's own appointment we have seen the emergence of a remarkable game dominance by the forwards and his quiet, authoritative style has seen the Sharks at last come of age in the Currie Cup."
Plumtree made no secret of his admiration fore his compatriot.
"Chris brings nearly 20 years' experience with the Wellington franchise, across their B Provincial Team through club and then four years as Assistant Coach in the provincial competition," Plumtree said.
"His achievements extend to the confidence shown by IRANZ [former All Black Murray Mexted's Academy] where he was a coaching facilitator.
"He was largely instrumental in the mentoring, coaching and development of current All Blacks Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Cory Jane and Piri Weepu. He will add huge value to the Sharks."
Boyd is currently employed by SPARC, a New Zealand organisation that employs people to assist sporting bodies in the coaching of coaches for team sports.
