| WELLINGTON - In a shock press release the NZRFU has named Tony Gilbert's replacement as All Black assistant coach. He is 28-year-old Otago University Social Rugby stalwart Kevin Pringle.
While the name Pringle may not mean a great deal to rugby followers outside of Dunedin, in Otago rugby circles he is widely respected for the way he revolutionised the face of social rugby in the city. Pringle was the first to introduce half-time kegs, unlimited subbing, fifteen-minute quarters, and beer-proof polyester-rayon ties during his tenure as manager for the Satanic Verses Social Rugby team. It is generally acknowledged that his vision and leadership were directly responsible for enabling the Verses to successfully battle towards five consecutive defences of the University Social league Wooden Spoon title. Despite a lack of International experience NZRFU Chairman Murray McCaw is confident that Pringle has got what it takes when he steps up to the big leagues. "Pringle exudes the sort of leadership All Black Rugby needs and he parallels with Mitchell on so many levels." "He's almost as old as Mitchell, has had a similar period of coaching experience, has a similar track record of success with teams he has coached, and has shown that he could never have possibly ever deserved to be in an All Black side." Pringle will start his tenure as Assistant Coach immediately ready for the All Blacks end of season tour to Scotland, Ireland and Argentina.  |
| Surpirse at naming of Assistant All Black Coach |
Thursday, 01 November 2001 12:00
