Canterbury women get new coach

Canterbury’s all-conquering women’s rugby team be guided by Blair Baxter this season.

Canterbury, who won their third consecutive provincial title last year and are the current holders of the JJ Stewart Trophy, were previously coached by Wayne Love and Kieran Kite.

Canterbury Rugby Football Union CEO Tony Smail said the union has been impressed by Baxter’s innovative thinking and coaching philosophy.

Baxter is currently the coach with the CRFU women’s development programme. Last year Baxter, 40, was an assistant coach with the Canterbury under-19 team which won the Jock Hobbs Memorial tournament.

He has been a coach educator with the CRFU community rugby team since 2018, and prior to that was heavily involved in Sydenham Rugby Club. He was head coach of the Division 1 side from 2015 to 2017, and had previously coached the Colts side for four seasons.

‘‘There is a big challenge ahead of me, and I am really excited to lead a programme of talented, high performing athletes in what is a provincial competition that goes from strength to strength,’’ Baxter said.

Alongside Baxter’s appointment the recruitment process for assistant coaches is currently under way.

‘‘The calibre of applications we have received for Farah Palmer Cup coaching positions has been really impressive, and recognises the important nature of these roles to the ongoing success of our women’s team,’’ Smail said.

‘‘We want to ensure that our players have the support to give them every opportunity for success, both as a team and individually.

‘‘While details of the Farah Palmer Cup season are still being worked through by the provincial unions and New Zealand Rugby, 2020 is an important season for all players, as they strive to be considered for higher honours and the possibility of playing in the 2021 World Cup at home.’’