Northland 2023
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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 2023https://www.northlandrugby.co.nz/newsarticle/128719?newsfeedId=1628724
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@Steven-Harris what is the story with the assistant coaches? Looked like Dewes role is available?
In a bit surprised they didn't go with someone with pro experience given the short time frame. Might as well have given it to Dewes if he wanted it as he would at least already know the players. Still, hope it works out - he was a bloody good player in his day!
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@Chiefy07 Dewes has a gig with Fiji so expect limited involvement anyway.
As above, I rate his technical ability but no way would I want him running the team from what I have seen and heard of him.
I think Leslie is a smart move, it is good for marketing, he will get some leeway due to timing, and I was chatting to someone in the wtg earlier this week and he was saying they had some great stuff implemented by Veale already that they have been using...so who knows, could be a masterstroke.
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@taniwharugby do we know when the assistant coaches will be named? It’s getting a bit late…
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I'm fascinated to see whether high performing Dunedin Club players end up in Northland. Then out perform acadamey Otago players in provincial rugby.
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@SouthernMann Northland resigned most of last year's squad. Very few spots available I'd imagine
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@muddyriver the great thing in the last few years has been players being developed in Northland, players coming back, and even the imports playing our club rugby and sticking. Hated seeing those late signings from other regions - generally they weren’t great and did nothing for building the team.
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@muddyriver yeah I think we are still a lock short (pun intended, cos I havent seen many tall ones about) and wing, also heard Esile Fono could be done for the season with an injury so another prop likely to be added.
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Rugby Chat: New horizons for John Leslie
Paul Dwyer broke the news of Southern coach John Leslie being chased for the Northland Taniwha role and he speaks to JL as it has now transpired. ...
a little chat about the move north for those interested, as i said in the NPC thread, he's a top bloke
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@Tim thats a bit of an, er, ok type signing for me, the cynic in me says maybe a bit of nepotism given Dewes picked him in 2021 I think, and he had limited minutes (with 1 good performance) and Dewes relationship with Waipu.
Have heard he is playing awesome, but he is playing in a team getting pumped by 50+ every week, so expect his shoulders been getting alot of use in defence...much easier to stand out?
He has all the physical attributes though, so who knows
Are several other 7's about I'd be looking at before him, but I aint a selector, so hope he steps up and proves me wrong (cos we know thats what its about haha)
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Wednesday 31st, 7pm at Wellsford, expect the grounds to be heavy underfoot.
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Squad has been named for this game. Good to see Sean Sweetman back
Northland Squad (To be finalized):
Trinity McQueen (Western Sharks)
Lucas Payne (Western Sharks)
Matt Matich (Western Sharks)
Jordan Olsen (Mid Northern)
Remsy Lemisio (Mid Northern)
Jade Stewart (Mid Northern)
*Allan Craig (Mid Northern)
Kiwi Duncan (Mid Northern)
*Rob Rush (Mid Northern)
JT Pont-Bellamy (Mid Northern)
Kobie Scutt (Mid Northern)
Zac Shanks (Mid Northern)
Valance Yates (Mid Northern)
Sean Sweetman (Wellsford)
Rene Ranger (Wellsford)
Sage Walters-Hansen (Wellsford)
Melino Fotu (Hora Hora)
Tahi Subritzky (Hora Hora)
Trent Hape (Hora Hora)
Dan Hawkins (Hora Hora)
Tama Anderson (Hora Hora)
Bruce Kauika-Petersen (Hora Hora)
Liam Chapam (Hora Hora)
Saimoni Uluikauvadra (Waipu)
Latham Aull (Waipu)
Cody Aull (Waipu)
Ross Gladdish (Waipu)
Matt Letoga (Hikurangi)
Blake Hohaia (Kamo)
Pisi Leilua (Kamo)
Kobe Walters (Kamo)
Puru Aboagye (Kamo)
Ilai Arona (Moerewa/United Kawakawa)
Xavier Kaipo (Old Boys Marist)
Wessel Theron (Old Boys Marist)
Nathan Salmon (Old Boys Marist)
O’Neal Rongo (Kerikeri)
Sam Parkes (Kerikeri)
Hayden Jurlina (Eastern) -
good mix of young and old.
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@Steven-Harris did you hear who went down last night? Be a great opportunity for some, particularly the likes of Sweetman and some of the real young guys.
Obviously Rush wouldn't have played, I also saw young Wessel Theron at the gym last night.
