Atkins to assist Black Ferns coach Rowlands

Former Canterbury player Dale Atkins has been appointed assistant coach of the New Zealand women's rugby team, taking over from Kiwi Searancke who has relocated to Ireland.

Black Ferns coach Jed Rowlands said today Atkins, head of physical education at New Plymouth Boys High School, would bring considerable experience and some new ideas to the role.

"He has a great understanding of coaching the modern athlete and his strength is in the forwards area.

"He will challenge us on what we have been doing and I am positive about the contribution he will make to our team," Rowlands said.

Atkins played No 8 for Canterbury in the 1980s and is also a former New Zealand Maori and New Zealand Under 21 representative.

He was also New Zealand Maori assistant coach in the mid-1990s and coach of Taranaki B until 2004.

A three-day training camp to prepare for September's World Cup in Canada will be held from April 22-24 in Auckland.

- NZPA