Walsh ‘rapt’ to be new Heartland coach

Former prop Nigel Walsh has been appointed South Canterbury Heartland rugby head coach.

A delighted Walsh said it was a dream come true to be put in charge of a team he played for on more than 70 occasions.

‘‘I am rapt, I am really looking forward to the challenge.’’

Walsh said since he first started coaching 20 years ago, he had wanted the opportunity to coach his old team.

He has already served his Heartland apprenticeship after being in charge of North Otago for the past two seasons.

Walsh is best known as Celtic’s successful senior coach, taking it to four Hamersley Cup crowns, as South Canterbury senior club champions.

He has been given a two-year contract after impressing the appointment panel.

South Canterbury Rugby Union chief executive Craig Calder said the board were delighted that Walsh had accepted the role, adding ‘‘Nigel has a quintessential alignment with South Canterbury Rugby’’.

‘‘The interview panel were impressed with Nigel’s credentials, his resilient leadership style and his passion for the green and black jersey.

‘‘We had a number of high calibre overseas applicants, however the union was determined to appoint a successful, qualified local coach.

‘‘It’s a new era and we are all excited what lays ahead of the 2019 Heartland under the guidance of Nigel.’’

Incumbent Barry Matthews had resigned after a successful four years which included twice making the Meads Cup final.

Walsh said he was delighted to be given the opportunity.

‘‘It will be about trying to build on where we are now. Ratty [Matthews] and Mac [former assistant coach Grant McFarlane] have done a fantastic job and I have to take my hat off to them.

‘‘I think it is an exciting time to come in. It’s a big challenge but I am up for it.

‘‘I would love for South Canterbury to get their hands on the [Meads] cup.’’

Walsh said he will be finalising his assistant coach and management team by the end of the week.