Bay of Plenty Rugby is pleased to announce the appointment of Richard Watt (Watty) as Steamers Head Coach for the 2023 season. This appointment comes after Mike Delany, who previously held the Head Coach position, was announced as a Black Ferns Assistant Coach last week.

Watty has been the Steamers Assistant Coach for the last two years, helping the team reach the semi-finals of the Bunnings NPC. He has also held Coaching roles with Wellington NPC team and the Hurricanes.

Rodney Gibbs, BOPRU General Manager – Performance, comments, “We are very fortunate to the have the callibre of Watty to lead the Steamers this season. He brings significant knowledge and passion for the provincial game and we are excited for him and the opportunity that has been presented.”

Gibbs continues, “We acknowledge the work of Mike (Delany) and the effort he has put into a young group of exciting players, as both Assistant and Head Coach. We wish him all the very best in his new role with the Black Ferns.”

Richard Watt comments, “I love this team, they are a pretty tight group and excited to wear the Bay jersey and represent their people and province. The coaching team are also excited to get them back together after club and Super seasons and build on the gains we made in last years Premiership.”

2023 Steamers Assistant Coaches have also been confirmed with Pingi Talapitanga as Defence coach and James Porter as Attack coach.

Click here to see the full 2023 Bunnings Warehouse NPC draw.

Article added: Wednesday 19 April 2023