New look coaching group announced for Canterbury NPC

Marty Bourke will lead the Canterbury NPC coaching group for 2022 with Alex Robertson and Craig Dunlea alongside as Assistants.

Canterbury stalwart Matt Todd will also join the coaching staff as he transitions from playing in Japan.

Bourke, who joined Canterbury as an assistant in 2021, has been promoted to the top role and is looking forward to the challenge. “I am honoured to be given the opportunity to lead a great group of people in this year’s Bunnings NPC campaign. Our players and support staff are all passionate about Canterbury rugby and its success. We are extremely excited about stamping our mark and adding to the 143-year-old legacy of Canterbury Rugby.”

“Working with Craig, Alex and Matt is something I am looking forward to. They have all proven in their respective coaching pathways great character, a growth mindset, and a strong work ethic. They will be invaluable to our environment this year.”

Robertson brings a wealth of Canterbury DNA to his role as assistant backs coach having worked his way through the Canterbury Coaching pathways, coaching Canterbury Country Colts, Darfield, Ellesmere, Canterbury U19, Canterbury B’s and most recently the Crusaders U20’s and Lincoln University Rams. "I’m extremely proud of the opportunity to be able to coach Canterbury. Time spent coaching in the pathways has allowed me to contribute to the development of several players who are in the current squad, and it will be great to coach them again and help continue their development along with the rest of the squad,” said Robertson.

“My coaching journey has shown me the meaning of playing for Canterbury and what wearing the badge means for players, families, and the community. To be able to contribute at a senior level is a proud moment for me and my family and I look forward to adding to the history of the badge."

Dunlea, assistant forwards coach, a highly regarded scrummager also relishes the opportunity to become more involved in 2022 following his role as specialist set piece coach in 2021.

“I’m really excited to get an opportunity to be the assistant coach of Canterbury,” said Dunlea. “Being involved with the scrum crew last year gave me a real insight to the expectation and responsibility the role carries, with the players, supporters, and region.”

“I’m really looking forward to engaging with Marty, Alex, and Matt, and reconnecting with the players.”

“We’re really delighted with today’s announcement,” said Canterbury Rugby Union CEO Tony Smail.

“It was important that we took our time, canvassing the coaching market and to have a mix of fresh IP in Marty and the opportunity to reward those guys that have put a lot of effort into our community game like Craig and Alex is particularly pleasing.”

“Both Marty and Craig are highly regarded amongst our playing group and Alex has proven himself a very capable coach.”

Marty is currently coaching Rugby New York in America’s Major League Rugby and will link up with the squad following the completion of their competition, while locally Craig and Alex have been keeping a close eye on the club talent in the Canstaff and Luisetti Seeds competitions.

Matt Todd has just arrived back from Japan where he continues to play for the Toshiba Brave Lupus. The 34-year-old former All Black last played for Canterbury in their successful 2017 campaign.