The 2024 Pakuranga Premier assistant coaches have been named, with Glen Rowe returning, under 21 championship-winning coach Sani Sanileva promoted and centurion former international player, Dwayne Polataivao rounding out the exciting group.

The three coaches will work alongside Grant ‘Boof’ Henson who will lead the side again next season.

Glen Rowe worked with Boof at Counties Manukau, both serving as Assistant Coaches to Tana Umaga in 2014 and 2015. He has been part of the Premier coaching group for the past two seasons.

Sani Sanileva led the Under 21 Cannons through an undefeated season this year, and previously led the Marist Under 21s to two Auckland titles. This season he was appointed as assistant coach of the Auckland Under 18 Gulls and was recognised by Auckland Rugby as the Emerging Coach of the Year.

Dwayne Polataivao joins the coaching staff after contributing on field at the Ranga for more than a decade. The halfback has played NPC, Super Rugby and international for Samoa.

“Glen thinks outside the box and always is looking for new ways to do things – the players love his style so its good to have him back,” said Boof.

“It’s great to lock Sani in. He lives locally, has so much coaching experience and knowledge, I know I will learn a lot from him,” said Boof.

“It is awesome to show that pathway for our coaches at Pakuranga too, he has done great things with our Under 21s so it is exciting to get him into the prems.”

“Excited to get Dwayne on board. We worked closely with him as a key leader of our group as a player and he suits coaching; he’s got a calm, collected way about his approach. He also brings an element of youth to our coaching group.”

We will announce our other senior coaching groups in the coming months.
 

Article added: Friday 27 October 2023