|
Former All Black Mark Robinson to seek new talent |
|
|
|
Written by Blair Rogers
|
|
Friday, 16 June 2006 |
 He played at the top level and he is also Webo's (Blair Robinson's) brother – now former All Blacks midfielder Mark Robinson has a new job coordinating the identification of up-and-coming rugby talent.
32-year-old Robinson, who played nine Tests for the All Blacks between 2000 and 2002, is to take up a new role with the New Zealand Rugby Union as Talent Identification Manager.
Working in the NZRU’s High Performance team, Robinson will work closely with all New Zealand national teams, Rebel Sport Super 14 franchises and Air New Zealand Cup and other Provincial Union coaches. He will be responsible for coordinating a strategy and system for talent identification and assessment.
NZRU Deputy Chief Executive Steve Tew said the identification of talented rugby players was key to the ongoing development of New Zealand rugby.
“We want to build on the outstanding work that has been carried out for many years by coaches and volunteers all over New Zealand. All major sports around the world have people in these roles and if we are to remain at the top of international rugby, it is crucial that we further develop this area,” he said.
“Mark brings a wealth of knowledge to this role. He has played at the highest level for the All Blacks and Crusaders, and in the UK and Japan, and has an understanding of what makes a good player and how that talent can be harnessed,” Mr Tew added.
Robinson, who recently returned from two years playing rugby in Japan, said the new job would be hugely exciting.
“I’m excited to be still involved in rugby now that I have retired from playing. I have a strong interest in the development of rugby in New Zealand,” he said.
“While talent identification has been around in other sports for some time, a proactive, co-ordinated, national focus is still relatively new for rugby, so I’m keen to develop the role. I obviously want us to stay at the cutting-edge in this area of rugby – from age-grade teams right up to the All Blacks,” he added.
Robinson will start his role with the NZRU next month. |
|
Last Updated ( Friday, 16 June 2006 )
|
