Former Maori skipper to lead coaching clinic in Edinburgh

A FORMER New Zealand Maori captain has been recruited to lead a new rugby coaching course in Edinburgh this month.

Scotland sevens cap Tane Jericevich has launched ‘Breathe Rugby’, an organisation based in Scotland but drawing on the skills a host of professional rugby players and coaches from Europe and New Zealand. Jericevich has recently returned from California where he tapped into the growing interest in rugby with nine clinics, including one that targeted underprivileged youths in Los Angeles.

The first clinic in Scotland was held in Aberdeen last weekend with the next in Edinburgh on 23/24 July. The lead coach will be Errol Brain, former Maori skipper and current coach with Portugal. Brain won the Super 12 with Auckland Blues and played for the Chiefs, Agen in France and in Japan. He was assistant coach at ITM cup side Counties Manakau before moving to take up his role in Portugal.

He will be supported by Bob Easson, the Institute of Sport’s High Performance Manager, with Scotland internationalist Jim Hamilton and Scotland A players Mark Robertson, Stuart Corsar and Steve Swindall also involved.

Jericevich said: “Our idea is to bring in international coaches who will be assisted at each clinic by Scotland players, not only giving kids exposure to international coaches but also the opportunity to work closely with some of their favourite players. In Aberdeen we were privileged to have former All Black and Glasgow coach Gordon MacPherson as our lead coach with Steve Swindall, Stuart Corsar and Andrew Easson involved.”

The clinics cost £65 per person and more information is available at www.breatherugby.net