Tom Donnelly has signed a two-year extension contract to remain as the Otago NPC Head Coach.

In 2017, Donnelly transitioned from wearing the Golden O on the field to begin his coaching career with Otago Rugby as an Assistant Coach. He was then appointed as Head Coach in 2020 (until present). During his Otago coaching career, he has helped acquire the Ranfurly Shield twice, in 2018 and 2020. Being a former Otago player himself, he is passionate and understands what it means to represent the Golden O.

Tom Donnelly said, “I am really excited to extend my contract with Otago and continue the work we have been building as a group over the past couple years. I am determined to take this team to the top as I believe we’ve got the right fundamentals and raw talent to be able to pick up where we left off in 2022. Otago has a great team culture and working environment which ultimately made this an easy decision for me to make.”

Alongside this, Otago Rugby have appointed local Dunedin coach Will Henry to the role of Regional Development Coach. Henry has extensive coaching experience through being involved in school, club and Otago’s Amateur representative programmes. He will be working within various programme areas and will primarily be responsible for supporting the development of coaches across the province, and supporting the development provided to contracted NPC players not involved in Super Rugby or the Otago Academy programme while Tom Donnelly is coaching at the Highlanders. He will also have an involvement in the Highlanders Under 20’s and development programmes.   

ORFU CEO Richard Kinley said, “To retain Tom for another two years is a positive move for both Tom and Otago Rugby. Having Tom continue as our Head Coach provides some stability and gives him the opportunity to build on the development of depth and talent we have seen within the team over the last few years.”

“Adding local coach Will Henry to Otago Rugby’s coach education team gives us some real depth and expertise, something our clubs and schools have been asking for. To have him also working with our HP team mentoring and identifying local talent while Tom is away with the Highlanders will provide some real consistency across our programmes.”        

Article added: Friday 11 November 2022