New Chiefs coach supports games in Bay of Plenty

POSITIVE ATTITUDE: Colin Cooper will replace Dave Rennie as head coach of the Chiefs in 2018. PHOTO:photosport

There may finally be a glimmer of hope for disgruntled Chiefs fans in the Bay of Plenty with the appointment of Colin Cooper as head coach in 2018.

Cooper has been appointed on an initial three-year term, succeeding Dave Rennie who will depart at the end of the 2017 season to coach in Glasgow, Scotland.

Cooper is the current Maori All Blacks and Taranaki Mitre 10 Cup head coach and has been coaching professionally for 20 years, including eight seasons in charge of the Hurricanes from 2003-2010.

Neither Bay of Plenty or Counties Manukau have been allocated any pre-season or Super Rugby matches next year.

But that is a situation Cooper would like to see change.

"That has got to be worked with the board but I certainly have an empathy with the provinces and that is certainly what I would like to do a lot," he said.

"I think that is probably where Super (Rugby) can play a lot better part. Being in the provinces for the last seven years, I realise how tough it is in the provinces and we need to keep connecting and aligning our franchises with the provinces, so that will certainly be something I will be going hard to do with the Chiefs."

Cooper of Ngati Pukenga has maintained a flawless record with the Maori All Blacks against international sides since his appointment in 2013 and will lead the side against the British and Irish Lions in Rotorua next June.

He will also coach the Port Taranaki Bulls in the 2017 Mitre 10 Cup before moving north to start his role with the Chiefs.

"I'm really looking forward to joining the Chiefs in 2018 and contributing to the proud, competitive and successful legacy of the club," Cooper said.

"To be involved in coaching Super Rugby again within the ambitious and innovative setup at the Chiefs is exciting and to have the opportunity to develop young players and coaches for the future of New Zealand rugby is something I'm very passionate about.

"I strongly believe that establishing a cohesive team culture where our people are constantly striving to become better people as well as better players, coaches and administrators is the only way to create meaningful long-term success.

"I'm excited by what's to come in the near future beginning with the Maori All Blacks and Taranaki in 2017, and then launching into a new era with the Gallagher Chiefs in 2018."

Chiefs chief executive Andrew Flexman added his delight at securing Cooper for the pivotal role.

"We are very happy to have secured a coach of Colin's calibre to lead the Gallagher Chiefs into our 2018 campaign.

"He has a proven track record at international, Super Rugby and provincial levels and we have every confidence he will enhance the legacy Dave Rennie and his team have established here at the Chiefs. The fact he is a home grown coach and is passionate about nurturing young talent will continue to give us a competitive edge.

"Colin's appointment well in advance of our 2018 campaign gives us plenty of time to focus on building our squad and ensure the transition to the new regime is a smooth one. It is an exciting prospect, but in the short term we are all focused on securing another Investec Super Rugby title in 2017."

The Chiefs will undertake a process in the New Year to confirm the wider coaching group for 2018.

Colin Cooper - Coaching Summary
2013 - 2017: Head Coach, Maori All Blacks
2010 - 2017: Head Coach, Taranaki (2014 ITM Cup Premiership Winners, 2011 Ranfurly Shield)
2003 - 2010: Head Coach, Hurricanes
2005 - 2009: Co-Coach, New Zealand Junior All Blacks
2002: Forwards Coach, Crusaders
2001: Head Coach, New Zealand Under 21s
1999 - 2002: Head Coach of Taranaki, National Provincial Championship
1997 - 1998: Assistant Coach of Taranaki, National Provincial Championship
1996 - 1997: Director of Coaching at Taranaki Rugby
1993 - 1994: Assistant Coach of Taranaki, National Provincial Championship