Cooper committed to Taranaki
Colin Cooper’s successful reign at the helm of Taranaki Rugby will continue for two more years, with the 57-year-old Port Taranaki Bulls head coach committing to the amber and blacks for the 2016 and 2017 seasons.
Since Cooper’s most recent tenure as head coach began in 2010, he has guided the Port Taranaki Bulls to a national provincial competition title in 2014, a Ranfurly Shield win in 2011 with eight successful subsequent defences, produced six Taranaki All Blacks and coached scores of Port Taranaki Bulls players into Super Rugby.
Taranaki Rugby chief executive
‘‘Taranaki Rugby is excited to extend Colin’s contract... ’’ Mike Collins
Mike Collins said the Union was thrilled to retain Cooper as head coach due his immense expertise and contribution to all levels of rugby in the province.
‘‘We are delighted that Colin has agreed to extend his contract to coach the Port Taranaki Bulls until the end of 2017. Not only has Colin delivered outstanding results over the past six seasons including winning the Ranfurly Shield and the ITM Cup, but he has also contributed a significant amount of time, energy, and knowledge to the Nexans Academy and sevens programme, coach education, club rugby competitions as well as assisting referees.
‘‘The positive impact Colin has had on rugby in Taranaki, cannot simply be quantified by results on the field. Taranaki Rugby is excited to extend Colin’s contract and we look forward to working with him and his management team to continue to grow rugby in the province and pursue results on the field’’ said Collins.
Cooper said he was extremely pleased to have the opportunity.
‘‘A major driver in my decision to continue coaching here is being able to work with the management team and players we have and to contribute to this Union and our wider community.
‘‘I’m very excited about what we’re doing as a Union particularly in terms of player development. Watching club player’s work hard to grow into full time professionals is a real buzz and to play a role in helping them develop is very rewarding.
‘‘On a personal note, staying here in Taranaki with my family was certainly a compelling factor.’’