Northland 2023
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@Chiefy07 yeah timing is not ideal, I'd be surprised if anyone of high calibre will be available this short of notice??
Maybe Bryce Woodward haha, I believe he might have a lesser workload form his usual day in recent months...but seriously, no idea, guess there were other applicants last year, but again, likely all placed somewhere now too
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Definetly came as a shock but after chatting to a few people in the know its 100% a family decision
to move back to the US
Marty was absolutely gutted as he can see some unbelievable potential in the union moving forward
He had implimented a game plan that was going suprise many in the NPC and the players had bought into it big time
The players have taken the news well and as long the same pieces can be put in place by the new coaching group its bussiness as usualOne real plus,the union is close to nailing one of the best young coaches in the world as an attack coach ,cant devulge his name as i have sworn to secracy on this one but it would have fitted in nicely Marty Veales attacking philisophy
The reality is there are better coaches from other parts world who look at the game through a lense
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@Steven-Harris i guess alot depends on who the next head coach ends up being, because they need to share the same philosophies of how they want things to go.
What we saw of Veale last year was very much strong defence, sadly I dont think Konia's attacking game was able to take advantage of the chances our defence created.
I have been impressed with the quality of young players I have seen in recent weeks of club rugby, just need the right guidance at club and above to nurture and retain them in the game.
We are fortunate we still have the likes of Ross Wright, Rene, Justin Davies, Matich, Olsen, Hawkins et al still running around club rugby, not only providing mentors to the next generation, but no doubt driving them on the park whether on same team or as opposition.
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@kev there’s a couple options on the table , Tama Winiana who can play halfback or first five or Kobie Scutt both were part of the Taniwha futures team earlier in the season or a bolter could be Jade Stewart who has linked up with Mid Northern and has pushed Scutt to fullback
Stewart was picked up by Canterbury but has returned NorthRegarding the coach , I know the union is very close to naming a successor to Marty Veale
I do know the union have almost signed off on an attack coach who is considered to be one of the brightest young coaches in the world.
Having seen the team he coaches in the NH , I am super excited -
Not quite the news Northland were looking for ,Ireland U20 attack coach Mark Sexton ,brother of Johnny has had to decline a role with the Taniwha 2023
Sexton was released by the Irish Rugby Union to join Northland ,but Connach refused to release the outstanding young coach and re negotiated for a sum even Northland could’nt match
A lot of work had gone in behind the scene to get what would have been an outstanding pick up
Sexton is rated as one of the best up and coming young coaches in the Northern Hemphishere
Will be watching the Irish U20s with great interest in this years U20 world cup
The Northland head coach will be named early next weekOn some good news
Allen Craig has been bought into the Blues squad to replace Sam Darry
Heremaia Murray has joined the Highlanders
Pisi Leilua is with the Samoan 7s squad in England
Rory Woods into the NZ U20 squad
Tom Robinson has been released by the NZ Rugby -
@Steven-Harris said in Northland 2023:
Tom Robinson has been released by the NZ Rugby
stink, guess that means we wont see him with Northland this year!
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Unfortunately not
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@Steven-Harris thats a shame, injury has robbed us of the best of him, at all levels I think.
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@Steven-Harris Craig looked like a beast preseason. How big is he now?
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I see Northland are also looking for two assistant coaches - defence and set piece. Wonder if this means Graham Dewes is going to be new head coach or that he doesn't want to work with new coach or not wanted by new coach.
Surely so much coaching upheaval isn't going to be good this close to the season
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@Chiefy07 well if you believe some of what you hear the same players that have been running some sessions are still there
Yeah I rate Dewes technical ability, but will be concerned if he is appointed head coach, although doesn't he have some gig with Fiji too?
Yeah the coaching situation is not ideal, which means the union and fans will need to temper expectations for this season at the very least...haha yeah right, I aim low to meet expectations...
seriously though, the core of a very good npc squad still exists, many experienced players at both npc and super, I think top 4 still a goal, but the real goal is a home semi IMO, something that hasn't happened since the old 2nd div??
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Former Otago ,Highlander and Scotish International John Leslie will be named as the new Northland Taniwha head coach , Leslie who is highly regarded in the Otago region as a coach has had great success at club level and has been mentored by both Jamie Joseph and Tony Brown
From what i understand at this stage it will be just an interim role for the one season
Quite excited about this appointment , from what i have heard has a very sharp rugby brain -
@Steven-Harris odd just as an interim coach, I mean it is always gonna be tough for any new coach coming in, but that first year especially.
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@taniwharugby i know hes had Kees Meeuws as forward coach which would be very handy
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Official announcement
Northland Rugby is pleased to announce the appointment of John Leslie as the new Head Coach for the Semco Taniwha rugby team, leading them into the highly anticipated Bunnings Warehouse NPC competition. With his extensive experience as both a player and coach, John Leslie brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the team, fuelling excitement and optimism for the upcoming season.
John Leslie has established an impressive coaching career, showcasing his ability to lead teams to victory across various levels. His most recent role as the Head Coach for Southern RFC in Dunedin has seen the team make remarkable strides, with their current season in progress showing great promise. In 2022, Leslie guided Southern RFC to the Dunedin Premier Club Championship, solidifying their position as the best club in the region. Furthermore, his coaching tenure with the Otago Under 19's resulted in an undefeated season, clinching the South Island Championship.
Prior to his successful coaching career, John Leslie enjoyed a remarkable playing career that spanned multiple continents. He captained notable teams such as Otago University RFC, Otago, the Highlanders, and the New Zealand Universities side. With over 100 games played for both Otago University RFC and Otago, Leslie's influence on the field was undeniable. His achievements include four Dunedin Premier club championships and two NZR National Championships.
Leslie also played for Scotland, making his international debut in 1998 against South Africa, with Leslie scoring his first international try just twelve seconds after kick-off. Leslie went on to play for Scotland in the 5 Nations tournament and subsequently played for the team for 4 years raking up 23 caps.
Aside from his exceptional track record, John Leslie brings a set of beliefs and philosophies that will undoubtedly benefit the Semco Taniwha rugby team. Leslie's first priority is to lead and empower winning teams, fostering an environment where every player can thrive. His focus on building a team and club culture that encourages player development aligns perfectly with Northland Rugby's goals of nurturing talent and creating a pathway for success. Moreover, Leslie emphasizes the importance of enjoyment, recognizing that passion and camaraderie are integral to achieving success on and off the field.
With the appointment of John Leslie as Head Coach, the Semco Taniwha rugby team is poised for an exciting journey in the upcoming Bunnings Warehouse NPC competition. Northland Rugby is confident that Leslie's vast experience, coupled with his passion for the game, will inspire the team to reach new heights. Supporters and fans can eagerly anticipate an exciting season filled with strategic gameplay, skillful execution, and a commitment to the team's continuous improvement.
Article added: Tuesday 23 May 2023
Northland Rugby Announces John Leslie as New Head Coach for the NPC Semco Taniwha Rugby Team
Northland Rugby is pleased to announce the appointment of John Leslie as the new Head Coach for the Semco Taniwha rugby ...
