Bambry, Henry staying on with Otago to ensure ‘continuity'
Ryan Bambry. Photo: supplied
New Otago coach Mark Brown will have a mix of the old and the new when he tackles his first NPC season.
The Otago Rugby Football Union announced yesterday two assistant coaches from last season, Ryan Bambry and Will Henry, would return to form part of Brown's staff.
"Having Ryan and Will on board again will ensure that the foundations and continuity from last year's campaign are maintained," Brown said in a statement.
"Feedback from the playing group was extremely positive regarding the impact they both had, and I have personally observed their expertise and readiness for the season ahead."
Former Otago loose forward Lee Allan will rejoin the coaching team after a spell away.
Allan, who retired early with concussion issues, will be a defensive specialist after previously being involved in the 2019 and 2020 seasons.
"I was thrilled when Mark discussed his plans for the 2025 season, and I am itching to get started," Allan said.
"I visited a few times last season and was very impressed with the mindset and application the team showed in their defence. I am excited to build on that this season."
Will Henry. Photo: Johnny Hendrikus/NZ Rugby
An interesting addition to the coaching staff is Mitchell Scott, who will be a voluntary part-time "skills enhancement" role.
Scott played 33 games on the wing for Otago and has since worked in coaching with the Taieri Eels and the Otago Boys' High School First XV.
Meanwhile, another new Otago coach has also had his coaching team confirmed.
Matt Direen is stepping up from assistant coach to replace Craig Sneddon as Spirit head coach for the Farah Palmer Cup.
Direen, unveiled in the top job at the end of last year, will be backed by new attack coach Marty Hurring, the vastly experienced South Otago man who works for the Otago union in coaching development.
'I'm thoroughly looking forward to the challenge of coaching the Otago Spirit alongside Matt,' Hurring said.
"This team has such a great positive vibe — on and off the field — which makes them easy to coach."
Ryan Griffith will return for a third season as set piece coach for the Spirit.
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Ryan Bambry. Photo: supplied New Otago coach Mark Brown will have a mix of the old and the new when he tackles his first NPC season. The Otago Rugby Football Union announced yesterday two assistant coaches from last season, Ryan Bambry and Will Henry, would return to form part of Brown's staff. "Having Ryan and Will on board again will ensure that the foundations and continuity from last year's campaign are maintained," Brown said in a statement. "Feedback from the playing group was extremely positive regarding the impact they both had, and I have personally observed their expertise and readiness for the season ahead." Former Otago loose forward Lee Allan will rejoin the coaching team after a spell away. Allan, who retired early with concussion issues, will be a defensive specialist after previously being involved in the 2019 and 2020 seasons. "I was thrilled when Mark discussed his plans for the 2025 season, and I am itching to get started," Allan said. "I visited a few times last season and was very impressed with the mindset and application the team showed in their defence. I am excited to build on that this season." Will Henry. Photo: Johnny Hendrikus/NZ Rugby An interesting addition to the coaching staff is Mitchell Scott, who will be a voluntary part-time "skills enhancement" role. Scott played 33 games on the wing for Otago and has since worked in coaching with the Taieri Eels and the Otago Boys' High School First XV. Meanwhile, another new Otago coach has also had his coaching team confirmed. Matt Direen is stepping up from assistant coach to replace Craig Sneddon as Spirit head coach for the Farah Palmer Cup. Direen, unveiled in the top job at the end of last year, will be backed by new attack coach Marty Hurring, the vastly experienced South Otago man who works for the Otago union in coaching development. 'I'm thoroughly looking forward to the challenge of coaching the Otago Spirit alongside Matt,' Hurring said. "This team has such a great positive vibe — on and off the field — which makes them easy to coach." Ryan Griffith will return for a third season as set piece coach for the Spirit.
