New Kahukura coach cool, calm and collected (+video)

"I'm not into the shouty, screaming approach when it comes to coaching. Cool, calm and collected is more me."

That is the coaching style Rotorua's Wayne Fell will be bringing to the Kahukura men's first team - after being appointed recently.

Fell, 57, has been selected as the head coach of the Baywide division 1 side with his main aim to develop the youth at the club.

"My decision to apply this year was solely player-based. We have to, as a club, understand the needs of current players and work with them in an effort to become successful," Fell said.

"And, importantly, we have to work closely with the youth here. There will be a number of players coming straight out of school. It's going to be tough for them because it's a big step up and they will need guidance.

"I'll be bringing my own flavour to the team. I'm not into the shouty, screaming approach when it comes to coaching. Cool, calm and collected is more me.

"The importance of improved skill sets and the commitment to detail are vital for a successful season. But the most essential ingredient is for players to enjoy themselves and have a bit of fun along the way too.

"Of course I want to be successful here, but as long as youngsters are coming through and the team is performing to the best of their abilities I'll be happy."

Kahukura is one of Rotorua's most established teams - with the club established in 1903, breaking away from Waikite after a "hot pools meeting" according to local rugby history - an interesting past Fell said he was "extremely proud" to be a part of.

"The story goes that there were far too many players part of the Waikite club," said Fell.

"And then, one day, all of them were at the hot pools relaxing and a club member split the players down the middle and said Waikite you go that way and the rest of you will become Kahukura.

"I'm very proud to be taking this club into the future but we never forget our past. The rivalry between ourselves and Waikite, of course, is one of the strongest in the area. We may have stemmed off from another club but we are very much a strong and individual entity now."

Fell, originally from Cambridge, spent a playing career at his local Hautapu rugby club and moved to Rotorua in 2000 from Tokoroa.

He has already had a successful managerial career - managing the Bay of Plenty Volcanix women's side to become New Zealand division 1 champions in 2004 and was the Bay of Plenty Under-16 boys manager in 2009.

But most of his experience in coaching is in the junior ranks including leading the Rotorua Tai Mitchell Maroon side for eight years and coaching the Bay of Plenty boys under-13 side this year.

"It's always been important for me to help bring the youth through - they are the future. But now is the right time for me to make the step up fully into the senior game."

The Kahukura men's first team are aiming for an improvement on last season after finishing in the bottom half of the Baywide division 1 - with home games to be played at Kuirau Park.

The team's opening game is scheduled for March 25 against Ngongotaha.

"What an opening cracker that should be," said Fell.

"Rumour has it that Ngongotaha have been hard at work already - but I'll be making sure all our guys are in shape and raring to go. Bring on the season."