Sevens: Fleming gets nod as women's coach

Brad Fleming

The Bay of Plenty Rugby Union have appointed Brad Fleming as head coach and Victoria Grant as assistant coach of the Bay of Plenty women's sevens team.

Fleming has had an extensive playing career, playing for the New Zealand Sevens for 10 years under Sir Gordon Tietjens.

He also played Super Rugby for six years and professionally in France for five.

He will take over from David Mays, who took the Bay team to the nationals earlier this year.

Grant also comes from a strong playing background. She was captain of the New Zealand Black Ferns and has also represented New Zealand in Sevens.

Regan Williams has been appointed manager. Williams has a strong sevens background in playing and coaching, most recently working with the Rangiuru men's sevens team.

Bay of Plenty Rugby Union chief executive Mike Rogers said he was happy with the new coaching staff.

"We are very pleased with Brad's and Victoria's appointments. Both bring strong coaching credentials to outstanding playing backgrounds. We are confident that Brad and Victoria's wealth of knowledge of the game will be very beneficial in a successful 2014 campaign."

Coach Fleming said: "We are excited to be involved with the Bay of Plenty women's sevens side for the up-coming season.

"We are a young management group with a wealth of knowledge, from a playing perspective, that we can't wait to share with the enormous talent in the Bay.

"Our goal is to continue the progress of past teams and to develop a culture of winning and success."

Major upcoming tournaments include the northern regional qualifier on December 7 in Hamilton to gain a spot in the nationals in Rotorua.

The Bay Engineers tournament will be held on January 10 in Mount Maunganui before the Bayleys national sevens in Rotorua on January 17-18.