The hugely successful Lincoln University men’s division one rugby team will have two new coaches for the 2019 season.
New head coach Alex Robertson, pictured left, and assistant Craig Dunlea will be steering the side next year as they aim for five titles in a row, and both are keen to keep the success continuing while helping to develop and improve the players.
Alex said it was as an exciting challenge to keep the club moving forward and being successful.
“I want to take my time to understand why the club has been so successful, how it has gone about achieving it and then set the bar even higher.”
He has worked for England Rugby as a coach developer and community rugby coach while part of Harlequins Academy DPP programme
He spent the last two years as the co-coach at Darfield Rugby and head coach of Ellesmere rugby, and last year was an assistant coach at Canterbury Country rugby.
“Lincoln University is a well-respected club in Canterbury. This new role is a chance to share my passion with the players and it’s a great environment to develop the person and help them to achieve in rugby and in life.”
Craig played professional rugby in New Zealand and overseas before becoming involved in coaching with Mid Canterbury rugby as a player/coach development officer, as well as coaching their heartland side.
He also coached the NZ Heartland U19 team for two seasons in the Jock Hobbs national tournament, and worked with the Canterbury Country Senior team.
Craig acknowledged the success the club has already had.
“The bar is already set very high results wise, so there will be a lot of pressure to keep this going. But, with some great foundations all ready in place it is important that we keep the momentum going and keep trying to add to that success in the future.
“I really like to challenge of developing the players to become better, which will put them in contention for higher achievements.
“If we give them the confidence to play well and improve, if we can get this right, then we will hopefully be there at the end of the season,” he said.
Lincoln University has had 10 current players or alumni named in the Canterbury Crusaders squad, (as well as coach Scott Robertson) and four current players have been named to attend a NZ U20 camp in December.