One half of a blockbuster sibling pairing for the All Blacks and Moana Pasifika has taken up a coaching position on the touchlines in New Zealand.
Former All Blacks wing Julian Savea has been appointed head coach of Mahurangi Rugby Club, with the 35-year-old set to take charge of the North Harbour premier side after completing the NPC season with the Wellington Lions in October.
Savea, who secured the role through former Moana Pasifika team manager Peter White, said coaching had long been part of his ambitions.
“I’m just stepping out of my comfort zone. I’ve always wanted to be a coach,” Savea stated.
ICYMI: ‘Ardie’s absence exposes poor management’
“Pete said there was an opportunity at Mahurangi, so I caught up with Sully and talked about the possibilities. I feel like I’ve got so much to give and a philosophy that I would love to express through a team.”
Nicknamed ‘The Bus’, the elite All Blacks finisher scored 45 tries in 54 Tests and remained closely involved in Moana Pasifika’s coaching and analysis last season despite being limited by injury.
Meanwhile, All Blacks captain Ardie Savea, Julian’s younger brother, will miss the opening three matches of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour against the Stormers (7 August), Sharks (11 August) and Vodacom Bulls (15 August) before joining the squad ahead of the first Test against the Springboks at Ellis Park on 22 August.
Photo: Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images
The post All Blacks star hangs up boots for coaching appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
One half of a blockbuster sibling pairing for the All Blacks and Moana Pasifika has taken up a coaching position on the touchlines in New Zealand.
The post All Blacks star hangs up boots for coaching appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
