The Pakuranga United Rugby Club is pleased to announce the appointment of Cole Mooney has Premier Head Coach for 2021.

A kiwi, Mooney has been based in Australia for the past decade and has held several coaching roles within the Melbourne Rebels development set up.

Mooney said he is looking forward to coming home.

“It will be good to get back to an environment where rugby is the number one sport. 

“Pakuranga is a club that has all the elements that are needed for success and it is led by passionate rugby people. I am looking forward to meeting everybody and finding out what drives the people and players at the club.

Pakuranga United Chairman Rob Neil said Mooney was a quality appointment for the club.

“We’ve been really impressed with Cole during the process and think he will add real value to the club. The next step is working with him to form the management group that we think will help the premier team succeed in coming years,” said Neil.

Mooney said he is clear in what he wants to achieve.

“It is about creating an environment that allows players to be the best version of themselves as individuals and then pulling that together as a collective in a way that is exciting and engaging. I know if we can achieve that, the results will take care of themselves,” said Mooney.

A former Counties Manukau representative, Mooney played for the Chiefs Development team before moving to Australia. He began coaching in 2012 in Melbourne and has held several roles in club and for Melbourne Rebels development teams. 

Article added: Monday 20 September 2021