New role for coach

Press, Volume CXVI, Issue 34128, 14 April 1976, Page 22

New role for coach

The successful Christchurch club rugby coach, Mr Gerald Wilson, has been given a new responsibility this year. Last evening the Canterbury’ Rugby Union appointed him the Canterbury B back selectorcoach.

Mr Wilson retired last season after guiding Christchurch to its third senior championship title in four years. He later allowed his name to go forward for the Canterbury A team, but his nomination was ruled out of order when he stipulated that he was available only as a sole selector. For Canterbury B. Mr Wilson was nominated under

both the forward and back: headings and he was elected: on the first ballot taken—for| back selector. Mr Bruce' Bowick retained his position i as forward selector. One of Mr Wilson’s rivals was Mr Bill Hasse, who was Mr Bowick’s partner last season. However, Mr Hasse was later chosen from seven nominations for the role of colts back selector, and his partner will be the forward selector from last season, Mr Brent Moore.

The only other selectors appointed last evening were for the under 19 grade, and the sitting panel of Messrs Fergus Campbell (backs) and Tom Egerton (forwards) was re-elected. Two players ordered off

last Saturday appeared before the union’s judicial committee. One, John Clarke (High School Old Boys senior B), was stood down for two Saturdays for striking an opponent. The second was a secondary schoolboy, who made, what was said to appear to be, a stiff-arm tackle. His case will be referred to his headmaster. The union’s chairman (Mb G. H. J. Rhodes) took the opportunity’ to warn clubs and players that rough play would not be tolerated. He said he believed that coaches’ in particular, should influence the conduct of their players and it was decided to send circulars to coaches in all grades requesting their assistance.