A one-cap Bay of Plenty Steamers fullback, Bourke stepped into an assistant coach role for his former provincial side after plying his trade coaching club rugby.
From there, he took up a coaching role for Rugby United New York before returning to New Zealand to join Canterbury. After his first season as an assistant coach for the side, he was promoted to the head coach position before taking the team to the final.
Off the back of this success, Bourke was named as an assistant coach for the 2023 New Zealand U-20s. Later that year, Bourke’s Canterbury team made it to Bunnings NPC playoffs again, but bowed out to Taranaki in the semifinal.
“As we do with our players, we like to look after and develop the skilled individuals of our region,” Chiefs Rugby Club chief executive Simon Graafhuis said.
“As a Bay of Plenty local, having Marty’s expertise within our environment is a great fit. In [his] short time in the environment, he is fitting in like he has always been part of the Chiefs. We looking forward to seeing the benefit of his skill set on the team this season.”
The Gallagher Chiefs have begun their pre-season training for the 2024 DHL Super Rugby Pacific season.
Gallagher Chiefs coaching team:
Clayton McMillan – Head coach
Roger Randle – Assistant coach
David Hill – Assistant coach
Ross Filipo – Assistant coach
Nick White – Assistant coach
Marty Bourke – Assistant coach
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