2023 Canterbury Rugby Awards - Coach of the Year Finalists

Finalists for the Coach of the Year creates a positive team environment with their players enjoyment of the game at the heart if it, they will bring out the best in their team. Retention of players into the next season will be one of their key focuses, as will their players learning new skills and developing as people. On field results may play a part in the Coach of the Year, however this is not their key focus. They will be leaders through role modelling and display behaviours that support their club or school to be successful in the long term. 

This year’s finalists are an embodiment of this criteria, with all three providing positive, safe and fun environments for the teams they are a part of. Let’s find out more about why each coach has been nominated in 2023.

Angie Sisifa - Christchurch Girls’ High School, Christchurch U17 and Canterbury U18 Black

A great coach on and off the field and brings a positive aspect to any team. Angie has taken the reins of the Christchurch U17 side introduced this year alongside supporting the Christchurch Girls’ High Rugby programme. Creating a positive environment, Angie has energised her sessions and helped encourage the next generation into the game, continuing a legacy that began when she was leading the way on the field too.

Robbie Fruean - Horomaka Combined 1st XV and Metro U16 Red

An amazing Role Model for players, seeking to develop the skills of his charges, aware of the diversity present in his side. Robbie wants players to see diversity in coaching and has made 1XV rugby a reality for the Horomaka Combined Team, who performed admirably in their first season in the Miles Toyota Championship.

Anna Livingstone - HSOB U17 and Farah Palmer Cup side

Anna is our Head Coach our of Senior Girls program where she runs two teams (while also looking after a 9 month old). Its the first time HSOB has been able to do this and have been successful on the field (winning both the trophy and plate) as well as off the field, creating connection between players from different schools and year groups. This is down to Annas hard work by building relationships with players and creating a fun and enjoyable environment. Players have come to HSOB because of this environment. Anna is an epic role model for these young players but also to past players and mothers to get back into the game. Anna has two young female assistants who are just starting their coaching pathway and they have enjoyed her knowledge and openess to allow them to learn. Anna has also been rewarded with a resource coach role with the FPC this season.