Premier Coaching Team For 2018

We are excited to announce the appointment of James Maher (Jimmy) as GTEC’s 2018 Premier head coach. Jimmy joins us after having played professionally for the last ten years in Japan. His playing career has seen him represent the All Black Sevens team (2007), Chiefs “A” (2005 – 2007), Counties Manukau Steelers (2004 -2007) and more recently stints with Tokyo Gas (2008 – 2013) and the Coca Cola West Red Sparks (2014-2016)

Since returning to NZ Jimmy has assisted with the Blues U’18 side earlier this season & is itching to get started with his coaching career at GTEC. Jimmy holds a level 3 coaching certificate.

Jimmy will be joined by Tracy Davis as an Assistant coach and needs no introduction and is known to most, following successful coaching roles with our championship winning U20’s side of 2016 and more recently as head coach of this season’s U20’s side. In addition to these roles Tracy has coached several Auckland age group sides.

We are in the final stages of locking in other assistant coach’s & members of the management group for 2018 and we will be making further announcements shortly.

Thank you to our out-going Premiers Head Coach Sam Ward for your efforts. Your on-going support has been very much appreciated and we wish you all the best for your coaching future. I’m sure Sam will continue his involvement with the club in some shape or form in the future.

Premier Women’s Coaching Team For 2018

In a first for the club we will be fielding a team in the women’s Premier competition in 2018. This is exciting for the club as the women’s game is on such a growth curve. Like all our coaches, we are privileged to have such an enthusiastic and experienced team on board.

The team will be coached by Malo Mauga & Frankie Schaumkel. They will be complimented by a management team comprising Mike Webber, Mike Paenga & Rochelle.

The team will train at Cornwall Park but will look to play its home games at both Cornwall Park & Orakei. While at Cornwall Park the team will come under the guidance of the French Presidents.

Premier Development Coaching Team For 2018

On the back of a hugely improved performance in 2017 we are delighted to announce that Scot Patterson and Brandon Jackson are teaming up again to take the Prem Development team. 

In preparation for the season Scotty is currently down in Palmerston North attending an IRANZ coaching course so will return ready to impart this knowledge with the development side in2018.

Having recently been inducted as a life member of the GTEC club Jacko continues to give of his time freely to so many club causes. In addition to this important coaching role Jacko also sits on the board of both the Auckland Rugby Union and the Grammar Trust. Did I mention this is all in addition to holding down an Executive role at the BNZ. Thanks for your commitment Jacko. 

U20’s Coaching Team For 2018

As a club we are extremely fortunate to have the services of both Bruce Birtwistle and Ant Strachan to co-coach our U20’s. Both Bruce and Strawny have been involved in various capacities over the years at GTEC. Strawny is an ex All Black half back and presently heads up the country’s No.1 ranked Rugby Academy. Bruce has played and coached the game to a high level.    

Both coaches have sons playing at the club next season and are keen to give back to the game.

Joining these two as a skills coach is Jack Cutler. Jack is also currently attending a coaching course at IRANZ.

We still have a couple of team management roles (managers, Physio’s, trainers) to fill, we will keep you informed once appointments are made.

As a club we value anyone willing to give up their time to help our game and provide a platform for our young men and women to develop as players and people.