One of the legends of Otago rugby, David Latta, was appointed as assistant coach of the Otago NPC team today for the next two years.
Latta will assist Phil Mooney, who was appointed head coach late last year, and will primarily be coaching the forwards.
Mooney took up his role at the beginning of February and one of his first tasks was to seek out a local assistant coach, the union’s chief executive, Richard Reid, said. “He and David spent some time together and found they had similar views on rugby and how the game should be played. It was a natural fit.”
Mooney, who is originally from Queensland, said he was delighted with Latta’s appointment and was looking forward to working with him.
“I had heard of David of course before I arrived and having met him, everything I heard was confirmed,” Mooney said. “I think his skills and background are an ideal complement to mine and just what I was looking for.”
Latta too said he was thrilled to be offered the job and was keen to get started.
Latta, a builder in Balclutha, was a selector for Otago last year and coached Otago Country, which won four of six matches including wins against two Heartland Division teams.
A former Otago captain, he played 161 games for the province between 1986 and 1996.