Rugby: Bradey takes on villagers coach role

Adam Bradey (front)

Former Magpie Adam Bradey will coach Maddison Trophy holders Havelock North in Hawke's Bay's premier club rugby competition next year.

The 28-year-old co-captained Progressive Meats Havelock North this year with Jacob Kennedy after retiring from ITM Cup play last year following 38 first class games for the Magpies.

He replaces another former Magpies midfield back, Davis Norman, as the villagers head coach.

"Davis has taken time out for family reasons and to have Adam take on the reins is a huge positive," said club stalwart Conrad Waitoa, who will return to the manager's role next year.

Bradey scored 361 points in 120 appearances for Havelock North. He played in four Maddison Trophy-winning teams and also tasted Nash Cup glory on four occasions and in addition to pursuing a coaching career he will have another important assignment during the coming months - marriage.

Fellow former Magpies, Murdoch Paewai and Simon Halford, will be Bradey's assistants. This pair and Waitoa mentored another young villagers coach, Joe Snee, who was 27 when he coached the 2010 Maddison Trophy-winning team.

"Not many clubs will appoint someone so young in a head coach role but we do. We keep rolling out rep level players and coaches who know the village way," Waitoa said.

Paewai, Halford and Waitoa all have more than 100 games in their respective roles at premier club rugby level. They have all been involved with Maddison Trophy and Nash Cup winning teams on several occasions.