A first-Casey scenario in Southland
Wyndham coach Casey Robertson has broken new ground for women in Southland rugby.
Robertson is the first woman to coach a senior men’s club team in the province. She joined Chris Allison last year to coach the Wyndham team in division one.
The farmer isn’t just making up the coaching numbers, she helped lead Wyndham to the top of Southland’s division one competition last year, and in 2017 the team is unbeaten after 11 games.
Robertson is well qualified for coaching, having played for the New Zealand women’s team, the Black Ferns, for 10 years between 2002 and 2014.
Coaching in what has traditionally been a male-dominated domain doesn’t faze her.
‘‘The team accepted me and we show respect for each other,’’ Robertson said.
Having a woman for a coach didn’t bother the team, captain Joe McRae said.
‘‘It’s never been an issue and who can argue with someone who’s been an international rugby player.
‘‘She’s been coached by some of the best and we’re lucky to have her in our club.’’
McRae’s comments were echoed by co-coach Allison, who added he and Robertson worked well together and had similar ideas on achieving goals.
Rugby Southland general manager Andrew Moreton is delighted a former Black Fern is coaching in Southland.
‘‘It’s fantastic to have someone of the calibre of Casey giving back with coaching grass roots rugby in Southland,’’ Moreton said.
‘‘We are working very hard to promote all aspects of women’s rugby in Southland and seeing our female coaches being involved, and just as importantly progressing through our sport, will only help us grow our game.’’
The two years Robertson didn’t play for the Black Ferns was because she had a a neck injury.
She played for New Zealand at four World Cups in France (2014), England (2010, won), Canada (2006, won) and Spain (2002, won).
Robertson lived in Canterbury before returning to Southland to work on her family’s farm near Wyndham three years ago. ‘‘I miss playing ... I’d give anything to play again,’’ she said.
Injuries, including a back problem at the World Cup in France, led to her retirement.
Robertson’s disappointment at not playing is quelled by coaching her home town’s senior team.