Tana keen to coach if Singapore is Super-sized
COUNTIES MANUKAU coach Tana Umaga is open to coaching the Singapore Super Rugby franchise if they win the bid to be one of the expansion teams in 2016.
The former All Blacks captain has had an association with the Asian country for several years, and will coach the Asia Pacific Dragons there in a game against the Maori All Blacks later this year.
Singapore is battling with Japan to be one of the teams included in Super Rugby when it increases to an 18-team competition in 2016.
Because of his links there, and his ability to lure players through his rugby mana, he’s being seen as a frontrunner to coach the team if their bid wins.
Umaga, who
didn’t
go
for
the head coach’s job at the Hurricanes, has also been linked to an assistant coach’s role at the Blues next season. But he says he’s keen on exploring his options – and that includes Singapore.
‘‘There are a few positions up for grabs at the moment and I’m interested in looking at all of the options,’’ Umaga told the Sunday Star-Times.
‘‘If it does come to that, and I’m one of the ones that’s asked to apply, then I’ll look at it.
‘‘ Until that happens, I can’t apply for something that’s a what if, the decision is still a few months away and you don’t know what’s going to happen.’’
Umaga has proved during his time with the Steelers that he deserves a shot at coaching at the Super Rugby level. He’s taken the province to seen before.
Where that opening will eventually come is unknown, but Singapore could be a good fit for him because he’d get the chance to create something from scratch and build the right foundations.
Umaga feels Singapore is a good place to base a Super Rugby team.
‘‘ They’re in the
heights
never top two, so they’ve got as good a chance as Japan to get a team,’’ he said. ‘‘I’m not too sure what will happen. I don’t make those decisions and we’ll have to see how it goes, but I’ve been associated with them for a few years.
‘‘In terms of the bid, I think Singapore would be good, I’ve been there a few times, it’s a nice place. I was just there for the 10s, they’ve got a great stadium there.’’
As for the game against the Maori All Blacks on November 1, Umaga said he was hopeful of fielding a strong team.
‘‘ At this stage we don’t know what sort of side we’re going to have, I’ve worked with the APDs for the past three years and it’s like we’re a very composite side that comes together when we’re called upon,’’ he said.
‘‘ It hasn’t been the most organised team and it’s like, at the last minute, see who’s available, and then see how we go.
‘‘ This game will be different, though, because it’s a bigger game and we’ve got more preparation time than we’ve had previously.
‘‘ We enjoy our time together, and have a bit of a laugh, but now, because of what’s happening in Singapore, there’s a lot more scrutiny on what’s going on.’’