New Heartland coach named

Wairarapa-Bush Rugby Union chairman Graeme Reisima was delighted with the quality of the 15 applicants who put their names forward to be head coach of the 2011 Heartland championship squad, more than half of which were from the Wairarapa-Bush region.
In fact, three of the four who were shortlisted had local rugby pedigrees.
Reisima said the appointment of Mark Rutene to the position came after an extensive appraisal and interview process.
"Mark comes to us at the A level after several seasons coaching at age grade for Wairarapa-Bush and excelling with our younger players," Reisima said, adding that Rutene's attendance at NZRFU accredited courses showed the desire of someone keen to develop his own coaching knowledge. His success with Carterton at senior A club level had also had a strong bearing on his application.
Reisima also noted the tremendous amount of experience in the coaching sphere of Rutene's assistant coach, Steve Thompson, both with the Gladstone club and the Wairarapa-Bush senior Bs. "Steve has turned out some very impressive forward packs at Gladstone so we look forward to him continuing this role," Reisima said.
Manager will again be Kevin Dudson, who filled that role this year.