Coach moves on to new challenge
Hayden Roe reckons his stint with the New Zealand Heartland XV is a nice way to close off his work with Thames Valley rugby.
The head coach of the Swamp Foxes worked as the strength and conditioning coach for the Heartland team, which not long returned from two games in Fiji and another against NZ Marist in Auckland.
‘‘This was my last year with Valley - for now - I’m going up to Auckland to have a go at coaching club rugby. I just want to test myself in another environment and looking forward to the challenge.’’
Roe took over as head coach in 2014 but had been with the team for about eight years in management roles and initially as a player.
‘‘So it’s been a good innings and I have enjoyed my time but it’s good to have a crack at something new.’’
Roe said his short stint with the Heartland team had set him up well for the move north. The team kicked off its campaign with a 35-14 win against NZ Marist to retain the Ian MacRae Cup.
The outfit then travelled to Fiji and defeated Nadi 26-19 but just ran out of time in their come back against Fiji champions Nadroga, going down 26-22.
‘‘The players had a bit of trouble getting used to the heat and they had just started to come right during the final game.’’ Roe said he enjoyed the experience of being part of an international campaign.
‘‘Just really getting to know a new team of people in a short space, new management, new players, it helps develop your skills.’’
Roe said Swamp Foxes front-rower, Hayden Wisnewski, also played well for the Heartland team.
‘‘He started the first game against NZ Marist and then he would have played 30 minutes each, in the second half, of the other two games in Fiji.
‘‘He carried the ball well, it was physical, hard footy over there against the Fijian boys but Hayden got stuck into it.’’
Roe said by all accounts Wisnewski, who was Thames Valley rugby’s player of the year, had enjoyed his first stint with the Heartland team.
‘‘I think he was really pleased to make the team and it was a good way for him to finish off a good season.’’
Roe said he’d like to be involved with the Heartland team again next year but wasn’t sure what plans were in place.
‘‘There was some talk of the team playing the Australian Barbarians again.
‘‘They played the Aussies last year but for some reason they couldn’t make it work this year.
‘‘So hopefully our guys will get a chance at the Aussies next year.’’