Rugby: End-of-season review for Otago coach

Otago's dismal performances in the ITM Cup has coach Phil Mooney in the hot seat. Photo / Getty Images

Otago coach Phil Mooney says he has every intention of seeing his contract through and he has lost none of his enthusiasm for the job.

Mooney, whose two-year contract expires at the end of next season, said he knew coaching Otago was going to be a very difficult job when he took it on, but he wanted to make a difference.

But Otago Rugby Football Union board chairman Wayne Graham yesterday declined to back Mooney and said a thorough review needed to be carried out at the end of the season.

Graham said the board was unhappy with the team's performance.

Otago sit bottom of the 14-team ITM Cup, with one game left in the season. They will play Manawatu on Saturday at Carisbrook to decide which team picks up the wooden spoon.

Mooney, who was imported from Queensland last year to coach the team, said he had found the season extremely frustrating.

"We are just not able to consistently stay in games because of errors we make ... certainly there have been guys who have done well this year but the reality is we have got a few holes," Mooney said.

"When you've got those key players in the team and they get injured like Kees [Meeuws], Adam [Thomson] and Ben Smith, then you get a bit thin. If you have them on board you are a better team and if you get a few more good players then you are infinitely better again." He said the side were not winning key moments in games.

Mooney said he inherited the Otago playing roster and that was what he had to work with.

"I think strengthening the playing roster is a big priority."

He said there was great depth in rugby in New Zealand so good players could be found.

Mooney said he and assistant coach David Latta were still working hard, and had given no thought to throwing in the towel.

"I've never thought about [quitting] ... I knew what I was letting myself in for and knew it was a big ask. I want to see it through. Like a lot of other teams it's not a quick fix but I've always known that."

- Otago Daily Times