Matthews named NZ Heartland coach
South Canterbury coach Barry Matthews is delighted to have been appointed the new head coach of the New Zealand Heartland XV.
Matthews has be signed up by New Zealand Rugby for two years after a successful interview.
His passion for the game as well as his knowledge were key factors in his appointment.
‘‘I am delighted to have got the opportunity, it means a lot.’’
‘‘I played in 1988 in the first New Zealand Divisional side so to go on and coach it is special.’’
‘‘Whether you play or coach a New Zealand team it is a big thrill.’’
The New Zealand Heartland XV will play New Zealand Marist and the Australian Barbarians at the end of the season.
The tour dates and locations are to be confirmed, but all games will take place in early November.
Matthews said his first and foremost commitment was to South Canterbury but he will have a closer eye on the opposition.
‘‘I think you get to know the bet- ter players (in the Heartland Championship) anyway and we do a lot of DVD and video work.’’
Matthews said he would also use a number of spotters to help identify the talent in the championship.
‘‘The standard of Heartland rugby goes from strength to strength every year and more and more players are being picked up for the NPC and Super Rugby.’’
‘‘It shows how much talent we have in New Zealand.’’
Matthews also wanted to thank his fellow South Canterbury coaches, management and players for their efforts last year.
‘‘Without them and the results we all achieved I would not have gotten this opportunity.’’
Matthews took South Canterbury to their first Meads Cup final in his first year in charge.
He had previously won the title with North Otago and was assistant coach of the Heartland team in 2011.
‘‘It’s the goal of many Heartland players to make the New Zealand Heartland XV team and represent our country. I’m thrilled to be involved.’’
South Canterbury Rugby Union chief executive Craig Calder said they were delighted that the New Zealand Rugby Union has recognised Matthew’s in depth coaching experience and on field successes by appointing him as the New Zealand Heartland XV coach.
‘‘It is just reward for a man that has served South Canterbury and Heartland rugby so well over the decades both as a player and a coach.’’
‘‘This appointment is acknowledgement of Barry’s dedication, his excellent coaching skills and rugby knowledge. We wish him every success in this role’’.
Matthews takes up his first campaign in charge while his assistant Mutu Ngarimu returns for a second season, having assisted in 2015.
The Poverty Bay coach is a for- mer captain of the New Zealand Divisional XV, having played for the team from 2002 to 2005.
Ngarimu said many players fit their training around their jobs and families, and they aspire to train and play like professionals.
‘‘The biggest reward for me is seeing players kick on and go on to not only be better rugby players but also better fathers and better people. Rugby can be the vehicle for that.’’
The team will be managed by Tony Harrison from MidCanterbury.
New Zealand Rugby’s head of community rugby Brent Anderson said the coaching team provided the skills and experience needed to lead the team and ensure they are ready for the challenge of representing New Zealand.
‘‘There is fantastic depth of rugby talent out in the provinces, not just in players but also coaches and managers.’’