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New Manawatu coaching team announced |
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Written by Site Admin
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Tuesday, 20 June 2006 |
 The Manawatu Rugby Union has today announced it has signed former Wellington Head Coach and Hurricanes Assistant Coach Dave Rennie as Head Coach. Former Manawatu resident and Hurricanes manager John Knowles was named as his management assistant for the new Air New Zealand Cup competition. Rennie will take up his role this Sunday with Knowles on board immediately.
Chief Executive Hadyn Smith said Davie Rennie and John Knowles both have proven track records and the experience they bring will give the Manawatu team a good chance of being competitive in 2006.
“We are excited Dave and John have made a commitment to Manawatu and the Turbos are keen to get going and build a competitive environment in the lead up to the first Air New Zealand Cup match on July 29.
Dave Rennie said he was pretty keen to get involved when first approached a week ago.
“Its a big challenge for both management and players. There is a lot of hard work to be done both on and off the training pitch and I’m excited about being part of Manawatu’s return to the big league,” said Mr Rennie.
John Knowles has just finished a contract with the NZRU, project managing the launch of the Air New Zealand Cup and Division One Competitions. He is looking forward to working with Manawatu and rekindling his working relationship with Dave.
“I know the spade work has been done and I’m looking forward to making sure that the Turbos have no distractions as they prepare for the Air New Zealand Cup. This is a special year for Manawatu and I’m looking forward to being part of that.” said Mr Knowles.
Manawatu Rugby Union Chair – Tony Murphy, says the announcement is exciting for the union.
“The team has been very positive in the last week and this announcement gives the players confidence to keep moving forward. We are under no illusions - this will be hard and we hope that the appointment of Dave and John will signal that Manawatu is on track,” said Mr Murphy.
Mike Banks remains part of the Manawatu Turbos management team as a mentor and advisor to the squad. Bruce Hemara (Assistant Coach) and Paul Hamson (Fitness Operations and Performacne Manager) remain as part of the Turbos management team. |
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 20 June 2006 )
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