Northland coach quits, replacements in place

Bryce Woodward and Donny Stevenson have stepped in to take charge of the Northland rugby team after Bruce Hodder resigned as head coach.

Hodder "offered" his resignation after a frank meeting with Northland Rugby Union (NRU) chairman Shayne Heape and chief executive Tim Hamilton yesterday.

Hours later Hodder was gone, his resignation unanimously accepted by the NRU board, and Woodward and Stevenson were called in to form a three-man coaching panel with Mark Seymour for the rest of Northland's NPC first division campaign.

Seymour was previously Hodder's assistant.

It is a bold move from the NRU but hardly unexpected as Northland continue to struggle, suffering their 22nd consecutive NPC loss last weekend amid growing unease at Hodder's coaching methods.

It had become obvious Hodder was losing traction with the players.

Heape said Hodder offered to stand down after several issues surrounding the performance of the team were discussed yesterday.

Woodward, a former Northland coach who has been in charge of two world title-winning New Zealand Colts teams in the past four years, was contacted by Heape shortly after.

"Bruce Hodder was very gracious in offering his resignation in what were difficult circumstances," Heape said.

"His willingness to co-operate with the NRU will ensure there is a smooth transition for the team.

"The manner of his departure was a humbling experience for all involved, but one from which Bruce has emerged with his dignity."

Heape welcomed Woodward's involvement.

" I think Bryce will bring experience and knowledge to the team, he was the obvious choice for us as he has proven coaching pedigree.

"Donny (Stevenson) also has proven ability at a high level with his success as forwards coach with the New Zealand Maori team," he said.

Hamilton said it was important the change was made quickly once the decision was made, with Northland playing Canterbury in Whangarei on Saturday.

Woodward and Stevenson attended their first Northland training last night. Woodward is expected to name his first team tomorrow.

Hodder said he was unable to get the best out of the players.

"I didn't have any more answers, so I suppose it is time to let someone else have a go really," Hodder said.

Hodder, a former Waikato hooker, coached Wanganui from 1996-98.

He had the dubious honour of coaching Northland to 13 losses and no wins in the first division.

"I guess the line of accountability with a professional coach is based on results and if they're not improving then it's the head coach's responsibility," he told NZPA.

"I've resigned for the good of the team and the Northland rugby.

"It is a little bit drastic, but I've had a season and a half and results hadn't improved. Ultimately, I'm responsible for that."

- NORTHERN ADVOCATE (WHANGAREI)