Pierce to play for Centurions

Press, 8 March 1989, Page 6

Pierce to play for Centurions

Doug Bruce, who stood down from the Canterbury selector-coach position this season after two years in charge, has not given away all rugby coaching aspirations. Mr Bruce has been nominated as coach of the Southern Zone in the national three-zone competition. The All Black lock, Murray Pierce, initially not available for the Centurions XV — a virtual Wellington A lineup — to play a Cantabrians team on March 19, has been included in the team. It is hoped that the match will be granted first-class status.

The recently appointed new Canterbury coaching and development officer, Wayne Smith, outlined his programme for the season to the Canterbury Union's management committee last evening. The N.Z.R.F.U. has directed that all coaches in New Zealand must attend a "safety course” in 1989 and Mr Smith has organised a course for all Ellesmere and North Canterbury coaches oh March 20. All Town open grade coaches can attend a course at Lancaster Park on March 20 at 7 p.m. and Town Junior Advisory Board coaches get their opportunity at Lancaster Park on April 17 at 7 p.m. As part of the Accident Compensation Corporation’s rugby awareness week, the Canterbury union will invite junior age grade teams from Canterbury clubs to attend a 90min programme at Rugby Park on Saturday morning.

Presentations of mouthguards, posters and safety pamphlets will be made to players and managers and demonstrations of modified rugby for players aged under eight will be held by prominent personalities such as Bill Bush, Tane Norton, Fergie McCormick, Victor Simpson, Dale Atkins and Alex Wyliie. Canterbury manager appointments were: Canterbury A, Peter Robinson; Canterbury B, Tony Smith; Canterbury Colts, Doug Frampton; Senior B, Dave Ching; Under 21, Don Liken; Under 19, Mike Lindroos.