New rugby coach

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 9, Issue 432, 14 April 1992, Page 9

New rugby coach

BYJOHOWIE Jim Ward is the new selector/coach for the Northern Wanganui Representative Rugby squad. In 1989 he coached Irirangi who won the senior reserves Wanganui Competition and in the last two years he coached the Waiouru senior rugby team which made the Division 1 finals in 1990 and semi finals in 1991. "Through club involvement over the last three years I've got a good perspective on the talent available, but the hardest thing is to select a squad to play the style of football we're look-

ing for, and for the players to have the respect for what we're playing for," said Jim. "There are 30 to 40 blokes who could do the job, so it'll be difficult selecting a squad of 25." In May the team will be contesting the Grace Cup against Taumarunui, Taupo and Tongariro from the King Country Union. There will also be a game against Canterbury Country in Taihape on 13 May. "This is a game to aim for. It's quite an honour for Northern to compete against Canterbury Country, a game that has first class status," Jim said.

In July the squad will compete for the Bebbington Shield, against three Hawkes Bay subunions, Bush, Central Hawkes Bay and Dannevirke. They will also play Wanganui subunion, Rangitikei. The previous coach who had the team for three years, John Transon, led the team to win the Bebbington Shield and successfully defended it for two years. They also won the Grace Cup from Taupo. Jim said the Northern captain and the 1991 Wanganui captain, Peter Stratton from Utiku will help him with the squad Turnpage 13

New rugby coach

From page 9 selections. Vice captain Lachlin Harding, from Ohakune, will also be assisting. Northern coaches Tom Hullena from Waiouru and Grahame Pike from Ohakune will also help with coaching. 'T'm working in with the Wanganui selector

hoping to get union recognition for Northern players. Bruce Polson (Wanganui coach) will be taking a keen interest in the Northern Wanganui region. There are players around who are capable of making the Wanganui representative side and we're giving them a chance to play football at a higher

level. "The squad in the past have had great support from the Northern Wanganui community and I hope this support continues." "We're aiming to play a good style of rugby. Shared venues have been organised to enable supporters from all areas to view the team."