December 15, 2021

UOW Crusaders Global Rugby Program head coach named

"I am proud and excited to be part of this organisation"

The inaugural year of the UOW Crusaders Global Rugby Program is ready for kick-off with the appointment of head coach, Andy Gibson.

Gibson comes with an extensive coaching history within the Crusaders region centred on Christchurch in New Zealand.

He has recently held the head coach role at Christchurch Boys' High School, as well as coaching the Canterbury B side, after two seasons as a defence coach.

Gibson has been an assistant coach   for   the   Crusaders   Junior   XV   for   the   past   five seasons, responsible for backline attack through to team attack.

“I am proud and excited to be part of the organisation and to be part of something new over the ditch,” Gibson said.

“The goal is to impart our coaching expertise and encourage players to be the best people on and off the field.

“The foundations of the program have been put in place and now it’s about me putting my spin on it.”

Matt Sheppard, manager of the UOW Global Sport Programs, said Gibson’s coaching experience within the Crusaders region over a decade made him the perfect candidate for UOW Crusaders Global Rugby Program Head Coach.

“Our program is based on the program developed at the Crusaders International Academy, which has an outstanding track record in producing high-quality rugby players, with many going on to play for Super Rugby clubs,” he said.

“It was essential for us to appoint a coach with deep experience of the program, as well as proven capability in developing both the technical and psychological skills required to play top grade rugby.”

Grant Keenan, Crusaders International Academy Manager, said Gibson was the perfect fit for the role, which starts in February 2022.

“Andy's experience holding multiple coaching profiles within our Crusaders region has set him up to make an extensive impact on the UOW Global Rugby athletes, and the program as a whole,” he said.

“Recently, he has been a part of the Junior Crusaders coaching group, and has made a significant contribution to the positive learning experiences for the young men involved in this program. We’re confident his impression on the UOW Global Rugby Program will be just as profound.”

The Crusaders are the most successful team in the Super Rugby Competition.

Over the competition’s 26-year history, they have won 12 Super Rugby titles, including an unbeaten 2002 season, and five consecutive titles from 2017-2021 under current Head Coach, Scott Robertson.