New Blues role for Woodward
Wed, 11 Aug 2010 09:03
Northland coach Bryce Woodward has been appointed assistant coach of the Blues, the New Zealand Rugby Union and Blues franchise announced on Wednesday.
Woodward's appointment, as assistant to Blues coach Pat Lam, is effective immediately and, in line with current NZRU policy, he will continue to coach Northland in this year's NPC.
With several seasons under his belt as coach of Northland, Woodward has twice coached the New Zealand Under-21 side to world champion titles, and this year he coached the Blues development squad.
NZRU General Manager of Professional Rugby Neil Sorensen said Woodward's existing connections with the Blues made him an ideal fit for the franchise.
"Bryce has been a stalwart of provincial and national representative rugby over the past decade," Sorensen.
"He is highly regarded in the New Zealand coaching environment and it's great to have him on board supporting Pat. This is a very good move for him and for the Blues."
Blues Chief Executive Andy Dalton also welcomed Woodward's appointment: "Bryce's coaching experience is significant, both with provincial and national squads.
"As current coach of Northland he is already immersed in the Blues franchise and we believe will be a valuable addition to the Blues coaching line up."
Woodward, meanwhile, said he was excited and ready to step up to his new role.
"This is a natural move for me and I'm looking forward to working with Pat and the team. At the same time, I am delighted I can continue my commitment to Northland's NPC campaign this year," he said.
Woodward coached Northland in 1999-2002 and returned to the province last year.
He coached the New Zealand Under-21 side from 2002 to 2005 and the team came away with world champion titles in 2003 and 2004.
This year he coached the New Zealand Barbarians side against the New Zealand Maori, in the opening match of the New Zealand Maori Centenary Series.
LATEST NEWS
Super Rugby
Six Nations
Sevens
Premiership
Latest news
- Cheetahs look at their options
- Refs appointed for Super Rugby
- Lions lose their Bok hooker
- Stormers to turn up the heat
- Bulls to tap into Bok coach's wisdom
- Pietersen takes centre stage at Sharks
- Wallabies rush back for Reds
- Hurricanes' captain finally on board
- Bulls have plenty to ponder
- Stormers snuffed out at the breakdown
- Will the Cheetahs kick on?
- Force see positives in defeat
- White not getting ahead of himself
- Lam's selection headache
- Bulls edge willing Kings
- Cheetahs win Newlands arm-wrestle
- White's Brumbies demolish the Force
- Blues put down early marker
- Chiefs dismiss star-studded Rebels
- Crusaders off to a flyer
Contact Us | Terms and Conditions | Privacy Policy | Advertising
