Colin Cooper will coach the Maori All Blacks on their North American tour in November. New Zealand Maori Rugby Board chairman Wayne Peters announced Cooper’s appointment on Tuesday while also announcing former All Blacks Tabai Matson (backs) and Carl Hoeft (forwards) as assistant coaches. Cooper, who played for the Maori All Blacks in 1982-83, said it was a special appointment for him. “I am very proud of my Maori heritage, and I feel very privileged to be appointed to this job. The Maori All Blacks have always been a unique team that celebrates the best of Maori and rugby,” he said. Cooper said he was proud of the part Maori selection had played in his career and he wanted to continue the work done by coaches before him. “I am committed to ensuring that the Maori All Blacks offer the All Blacks selectors more choices about the talent that is coming through the ranks,” he said. Peters said Cooper, of Ngati Pukenga descent, was taking on the role at the start of an exciting new chapter for the side. “He has a great coaching record. He is Taranaki’s coach but his experience includes the Hurricanes from 2003-10, the New Zealand Colts in 2001 and the Junior All Blacks in 2005-09. “As a former play, he well understands how important this team is for players who are wanting more opportunities to press for higher honour. “Colin is joined by a very experienced coaching team in Matson and Hoeft who bring great experiences as former players at the highest level. The Maori All Blacks will play Canada in Toronto on November 3 and the USA Eagles in Philadelphia on November 9.
Article source: http://www.sportal.co.nz/rugby-union-news-display/bulls-have-issues-to-resolve-244868
Cooper to coach Maori All Blacks
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