Rugby: Urlich returns to coach Takapuna

Blair Urlich, an outstanding loose forward in the early 2000s, will make a comeback to North Harbour club rugby this season - as player-coach for Takapuna.

Urlich was with Northland last year after five seasons in Japan and though he is 34, he hasn't ruled out a return to the provincial scene.

But his immediate commitment is with Takapuna and he is excited at getting to coach his own side.

"I did a bit of coaching in Japan but this is my first chance in my own right," he said.

Assisting him with the backs will be Takapuna stalwart Jerome Smith, who played last season and will be available again if needed.

At the behest of new representative coach Craig Dowd, Harbour's competition is starting early and will finish before the start of the Air New Zealand Cup, meaning most sides will suffer minimal disruption. So Takapuna could have a good run with the promising young forward Chris Smith, though at present he is out with a fractured foot.

All Harbour matches this weekend will be at Silverdale, with the host club pitted against North Shore, Northcote against Kumeu, Marist against Glenfield and Massey against East Coast Bays.

Auckland club rugby will continue this weekend with the second round of the Waka Nathan Challenge Cup. The competition proper will start on April 4.