Fiji Drua rugby coach and former Chiefs star Glen Jackson will be guiding the Tauranga under-85kg team this winter. Photo / Supplied
Fiji Drua rugby coach and former Chiefs star Glen Jackson will be guiding the Tauranga under-85kg team this winter. Photo / Supplied
Fiji Drua rugby coach and former Chiefs star Glen Jackson is set to have a major off-season impact in his hometown after signing to coach the Tauranga Sports under-85kg team in the national knockout competition next month.
It’s the first time a Western Bay of Plenty team has entered theNew Zealand Rugby weight-graded tournament, with Jackson’s inclusion capping a star-studded management team that includes former Bay of Plenty stars Nick Evemy, Dave Gorrie and Michael George, and international referee Bryce Lawrence.
Bay of Plenty Steamer's Glen Jackson celebrates winning the Ranfurly Shield Challange against Auckland at Eden Park in 2004. Photo / File
“It’s exciting to get a great group of coaches and players together to enter this straight knockout cup, which is known for its flowing, freestyle rugby,” Jackson said.
“I can’t wait to see the Raptors attack from all areas and enjoy seeing the growth of under-85s rugby.
“The recent New Zealand under-85s tour of Sri Lanka showcased some outstanding rugby and we’d love to promote some of our players into national contention.”
Clubs from around New Zealand will enter under-85kg teams in the competition, comprising of players from premier down to colts.
New Zealand referee Bryce Lawrence. Photo / Mark Mitchell
Some players even join their club sides, especially for this campaign, which starts after the club competition and runs for about six weeks.
The rugby is fast, high-energy, fun, competitive and players from the competition are eligible for selection in the NZR under-85kg team.
The inaugural New Zealand under-85 side has just returned from their trip to Sri Lanka, where they played two matches against the Sri Lankan national team, winning 50-10 and 32-6.
Tauranga Sports club captain Stephen Murray said it was an exciting development for the club.
“We’re absolutely delighted to have Glen involved, to lead an incredible coaching team, and we’re excited to bring a new Raptors team to the club,” Murray said.
“We would love to build a strong under-85s team and culture, and wouldn’t it be cool to see a Raptor or two selected in the New Zealand side next year.”
