Pakuranga coaches have been recognised for their skill and potential with representative appointments with Auckland Rugby.

The appointments are;
Grant Henson (Premier Coach) - Auckland Development Assistant Coach
Sani Sanileva (Under 21 Cannons Coach) – Auckland Under 18 Gulls Assistant Coach
Aula Silipa (Pakuranga 1st XV Coach) – Auckland Under 18 Divisional Assistant Coach
Matt Clark (Belles Coach) – Auckland Under 18 South/East Girls Assistant Coach

These appointments are thoroughly deserved and will have a positive flow on effect for our senior players.

“The club really benefits from our coaches having involvement in rep programmes,” said Director of Rugby, Boof Henson.

“Working alongside other good coaches we can learn other ways of doing things. We’ve already been to some workshops with the NPC coaches, so get to pick up on all the trending stuff they coach.

“We can bring that back to the club and continue to evolve as coaches. It also shows a pathway for through the club which hopefully provides motivation for other coaches.”

Aula Silipa is a Pakuranga premier centurion and started his coaching career at the club before taking charge of the Pakuranga College 1st XV.

“He is a good up and coming coach who is eager to learn and takes on board things really quickly,” said Boof.

Sani Sanileva led the Under 21 Cannons through an undefeated season, his third Under 21s title as a coach after two previous wins with Marist.

“It’s awesome to see him get recognised for his years of service, he has done a lot of stuff through younger rep teams so getting appointed in the Under 18 programme is going to be great for his development but also recognition for the good work he has been doing.

Matt Clark, who will be familiar to many as the club’s Operations Manager, took charge of the Belles in 2023.
“He’s an incredibly enthusiastic young coach who has done great things with the Belles, working from the ground up.”

For Boof, who has previously coaching NPC for Counties Manukau, it is his first involvement with an Auckland rep team.

“It’s cool to get in the Auckland system and call myself an Auckland boy! I want to get to know players first and foremost, that is the type of coach I am – build connections, find out what makes them tick, then stamp my mark.”
 

Article added: Monday 07 August 2023