McLean named Canterbury coach

11.05 am

Aussie McLean has been appointed head coach of the Canterbury NPC rugby team for two years, the Canterbury Rugby Football Union (CRFU) announced today.

McLean was co-coach with Steve Hansen in this year's NPC.

The 49-year-old started his coaching career in 1986 with the Canterbury colts. He later assisted Vance Stewart with the NPC side between 1993-95.

He also co-coached the Crusaders with Stewart in 1996 and more recently assisted Dennis Brown with the World Cup-winning under-19 side in Chile.

Hansen departed for Wales after this year's NPC to assist Graham Henry. The position of assistant NPC coach will be advertised at the weekend.

- NZPA