12 February

The 2019 1st XV Management Group presented to a large group of interested parents and senior-school players in the College staffroom on the logic behind the off- and pre-season planning and the flow of events between now and the official start to the 2019 rugby season.

Rugby Development Officer Mark Ealey explained his role before introducing 2nd XV staff - Kurt Paterson and Kerry Sullivan, followed by 1st XV manager Gerry Davidson, coaches Dan Winchester, Angus Gardiner and Dwayne Prendergast.

Gerry spoke about the importance of our Rugby parents and players adhering to the Code of Behaviour posted on the front page of our Rugby Website. (See files attached as photos with this article.) It goes without saying that we expect the same of our coaches and that will be covered at a separate meeting.

Dwayne provided the detail on the schedule of trial events, the approach to selection and the expectations towards players and parents.

2nd XV Manager, Kerry Sullivan: New teacher to the College. Previously was at Rangiora HS where he became known as a very capable UC Championship 1st XV manager.

2nd XV Coach, Kurt Paterson: New PE teacher to the College. Previously was at Southland BHS where he was involved in 1st XV coaching.

1st XV Manager, Gerry Davidson: College Deputy Rector, involved in SBC rugby for over 20 years. Gerry has coached to NZ Schoolboys level and is one of NZ’s most experienced secondary school level administrators.

1st XV Technical advisor: Angus Gardiner: Angus played for the Crusaders from 1996-1999 and for Canterbury from 1993-1999. After a stint overseas, he returned to the franchise in 2003 to take up a role as personal development manager and then team manager. He is now the General Manager of Professional Rugby with the Crusaders.

1st XV coach, Dan Winchester: Daniel is the acting Head of PE this year. He has played more than 100 games for Sydenham RFC and has coached previously at the College. Looking towards the future, Daniel is a young coach whom we hope makes great strides this season.

1st XV coach Dwayne Prendergast: Dwayne coached rugby from 1997 to 2017, being involved in teams from Under 7 to Division 1. He has won six Division 1 titles, including back-to-back wins with the Christchurch FC Division 1 side in 2009 and 2010, as well as a 1st XV title. He has coached a number of Canterbury teams from Under 20 to Canterbury B and a couple of national representative sides.

· Please remember that there is Golf fund-raising event scheduled for Friday 15 March. (see photo with this article).