Rugby: Former All Blacks captain takes charge of national squad

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 23  - Former New Zealand rugby team captain Rodney So'oialo will take on the task of coaching the national squad to face the challenge of the 2021 Asian Rugby Championship in Hong Kong early next year.

Malaysian Rugby Union (MRU) deputy president Amir Amri Mohamad said Rodney's selection was decided by the MRU executive committee and coaching board based on his extensive experience in coaching several internationally renowned clubs such as Honda Heat, Japan (2011-2012), Wellington Lions (2016 -2017), Verona Rugby Club, Italy (2018-2019), and Tawa Rugby (2020).

"Rodney will coach the national rugby squad for a short period from Nov 1 until the 2021 Asian Rugby Championship ends and it is hoped that his appointment can achieve the objective of forming the best team in the competition in Hong Kong," he told a press conference here today.

Rodney's appointment means the 42-year-old coach will take over the duties left by Bradley Moni Mika, also from New Zealand, after last coaching the Hibiscus 15’s in 2019.

Amir Amri, who is also the national team manager, said Rodney, who is currently in Sri Lanka, is expected to arrive in Malaysia on Oct 31 and will start his first duties in the second phase of the national squad training session on Nov 22.

Amir Amri also disclosed that according to the original plan, Rodney was to become the technical advisor for the national men's and women's seven-a-side rugby squads for the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.

"We can't recall Brad (Bradley Moni) because of technical problems so that's why Rodney was chosen to be the coach of the national men's rugby squad. Many thanks to Brad for his service as head coach and we wish him all the best, ”he added.

 Rodney, who often played at number eight position, helped the All Blacks win the 7-a-side World Cup in 2001, the 2002 Commonwealth Games gold medal in Manchester, England and played in the 15-a-side World Cup in 2003 and 2007.

Having collected 62 caps with New Zealand, he was also appointed to the player selection panel for the All Blacks last year as well as coach of the ‘Coach and Running Programme’ at Trinity College, Sri Lanka this year.

The Hibiscus 15’s will open their campaign at the 2021 Asian Rugby Championship against Hong Kong on 31 Jan 31,2022 and then meet South Korea on Feb 2 .

Meanwhile, Rodney described his appointment as the new head coach for the Malaysian rugby squad as an exciting experience and had already set his sights on bringing out the best of his charges in the tournament.

“I hope the players will show a positive attitude and willingness to learn while they undergo training with me,” he said in a video call.

Citing the lack of competition faced by the national squad due to COVID-19 as one of the main challenges when he takeS over the coaching role soon, he hoped to help the players to become fit and build a good momentum ahead of the Hong Kong’ meet.

-- BERNAMA