November 26, 2020

Simon Kneebone appointed as Crusaders International Academy Coach at UOW

Mr. Kneebone to lead the Global Rugby Program at the University

The University of Wollongong (UOW) welcomes the announcement today by the Crusaders International Academy of its appointment of Simon Kneebone as the new coach at UOW.

The Academy will launch their Global Rugby Programme at UOW in February 2021, and Mr. Kneebone will lead the programme from the Wollongong campus.

UOW Deputy Vice Chancellor (Global) Professor Alex Frino congratulated the team and said Simon’s leadership and passion for the game will further take the program to new heights.

“We are delighted with Simon’s appointment to the coaching role on our Global Rugby Programme with the Crusaders.  His depth of experience and knowledge inside the Crusaders system, and his history of developing young players is perfectly aligned with UOW’s objectives,” Professor Frino said.

“We are thrilled and looking forward to welcoming the new cohort into the program in February 2021 under Simon’s leadership.”

Mr. Kneebone has an extensive coaching career both internationally and domestically. His experience includes coaching the Seattle Seawolves to a Major League Rugby title in 2019, and roles with the national champion men’s Canterbury Under 19 team, New Zealand Maori Under 18 side and national titles with the Canterbury Farah Palmer Cup team in 2018 and 2019.   

Crusaders CEO Colin Mansbridge said Kneebone’s appointment is significant due to the quality of the programme and athletes that will be enrolled for the coming year. 

“Simon is a very experienced coach, with an innate understanding of how we coach at the Crusaders to get the best out of athletes. His technical and tactical knowledge will be of great benefit to the programme, and his broader rugby knowledge-base will make this programme truly world class - the level the Crusaders demand every day.

“With particular expertise developing age-grade rugby players and teams, Simon’s skills align perfectly with the focus and intent of the Crusaders International Academy Global Rugby Programme,” Mr Mansbridge said.

Crusaders International Academy Manager, Grant Keenan, will oversee the Programme with Simon, and said he is looking forward to getting the 2021 intake on the grass and into the classroom for the start of the first semester. 

“This programme is two years in the making, and we are so excited to have Simon confirmed to lead our first year intake at the University Of Wollongong. His connection to the club and our coaching identity was a critical factor in the decision to appoint Simon and we know he will create a high performing environment at UOW with the support of the University.”

Mr. Kneebone said he was thrilled to be part of the launch of a programme that had a focus on both rugby development and education.  

“I am extremely excited to have been appointed to represent the Crusaders International Academy and look forward to helping create a world-class high performance rugby environment in partnership with the University of Wollongong. 

“I am passionate about working with young people, developing their capabilities and creating opportunities for them to excel. This truly is an amazing opportunity for players to attend a world class rugby programme and gain a world class education at the same time, and I look forward to sharing my knowledge to bring the best out in these young players,” Mr. Kneebone said.

Further information regarding the Global Rugby Program and key dates can be found on UOW’s website: https://www.uow.edu.au/globalrugby/