When Pat, Firthy and I talked about the coaching role at Papakura, it was the challenge ahead that most excited us.  We knew of what had unfortunately occurred with players towards the end of 2020, so we have come on board knowing a re-build was a first priority.

What has immediately been refreshing is working alongside the extremely positive rugby committee of ex-players and senior committee members the club has put together, that includes amongst others Lee Lidgard, Dion Kingi, Shaun Clotworthy, Bob Lendrum, Rick Tagilagi and Rod Honan.

This group understands and has bought into the notion that success in 2021 will not be that of a scoreboard focus, but one based around building a sound base in:

1. Developing a positive united club culture,

2. The on-going development of players, and

3. The rebuilding of a genuinely competitive TOP 4 Premier side.

These processes are already underway.

2020 coaches Mark Hayward and Owen McCaffrey have become part of the coaching group and in doing so provide an important continuity to the panel.

Pre and post Xmas training is to be a membership for all club players (u21, u85, Women’s and Senior Players) at a local gym with sessions tailored around both strength and general rugby conditioning.  These sessions will be under the guidance of the new PRFC club trainer Ben Samuel.

The club is currently re-developing the area under the clubhouse into a club gym and players clubhouse, with the opening set for February 2021 in conjunction with an early season training camp, at which ex Chiefs and current Japan RFU clinical phycologist David Galbraith is confirmed to be attending.

We are excited to have the invaluable experience of Clinton (NPC) and Kris (Super Rugby) with us next season.

Premier players who left the club are being contacted and given the first opportunity to be part of our re-build and in doing so to also become leaders / mentors in the development of our younger players.  Some have already confirmed their return.

Players from outside Province who have both the right playing and leadership credentials have also been contacted with positive results.

At the moment we are reaching out to those members of our successful u21s team who are now too old to play that grade in 2021.

The coaching group are in the final stages of finalising the early season training plan along with the detail around structures the Senior players will look to play next season.

Due to the re-build, playing positions within the Premier side are remaining open.  Anyone interested in joining and being part of this exciting period for the Papakura RFC, please feel free to call me (KP) on 021 567333, or Pat Flavell 0228821164. 

Kerry Petrie

Head Coach - Papakura Rugby

Article added: Tuesday 10 November 2020