Nine seek Canty rugby post

Press, 9 November 1988, Page 72

Nine seek Canty rugby post

By 808 SCHUMACHER Canterbury’s sometimes mediocre performances and middle-of-the-table placings for the last two years in the National Mutual first division rugby championship has not scared off applicants for the position of Canterbury A selector-coach for 1989. When the deadline for nominations closed yesterday, the Canterbury Rugby Union’s executive officer, Warren Barbarel, had received nine applications for the job. The incumbent for the last two years, Doug Bruce, had earlier an-

nounced he was vacating the post, but his running mate, Andy Holland, has allowed his name to go forward again. The three men who stood against Mr Bruce last year, Mr Holland, Fergie McCormick and John Phillips, are back in the race as are Laurie O’Reilly and Ceddie Smith, both of whom have tried for the position previously. The list is completed by the successful Shirley senior coach, Frank Jack, the High School Old Boys senior coach, Peter Wallis, the Lincoln Col-

lege senior coach of two seasons ago and former Canterbury hooker, Gwynn Williams, and Vance Stewart. Mr Smith has been in charge of Canterbury B and Mr Stewart has taken Canterbury Colts in recent seasons. A new appointment this season will be the post of coach for the Canterbury Sevens team to play in the national tournament at Palmerston North on March 4 and 5. Four of those nominated for the Canterbury A job have thrown their hats into the ring for this position as

well, and they have been joined by the former New Zealand Sevens representative and All Black, Wayne Smith. The nominations received are.— Canterbury A: Andy Holland, Frank Jack, Fergie McCormick, Laurie O’Reilly, John Phillips, Ceddie Smith, Vance Stewart, Peter Wallis, Gwynn Williams. Canterbury B: Messrs Phillips and Williams. Canterbury Colts: Peter Doell, Dave Pirie, Mr Phillips, Ray Southam, Mr Wallis, Mr Williams. Canterbury Sevens: Mr Phillips, Wayne Smith, Messrs Stewart, Wallis and Williams.