Collaboration brings World Cup-winning All Blacks coach to United States
Sir Graham Henry, former coach of the Rugby World Cup-winning New Zealand All Blacks, will lead coaching clinics organized by Tiger Rugby, the Northern California RFU (NCRFU), Life West Rugby, and The Rugby Site over a 12-day period in cities across the country next month.
Former ITM Cup coach and current Life West Athletic Director and NCRFU Director of Coaching Adriaan Ferris initiated discussions with Tiger’s James Walker to offer coaches around the country these unique development opportunities, knowing Henry well from previous experiences in New Zealand.
“As coaches, we should always be looking for avenues to expand our knowledge of the game,” Walker, Tiger’s director of rugby, said. “Rugby is continually evolving, and we firmly believe that, if you’re not elevating yourself, you are losing ground. What better person than Sir Graham Henry, who himself has been through many trials on his way to the pinnacle of the game, to share his knowledge with aspiring coaches? We are truly honored to have this opportunity.”
Considered one of the most successful international rugby coaches of all time, Henry has previously been brought to the United States for talks with Minnesota Youth Rugby via The Rugby Site with colleague Wayne Smith.
“We have to thank Tiger Rugby, Life West & the Northern California Union for helping facilitate and promote this event for the benefit of the American Rugby community,” USA Rugby CEO Dan Payne said. “This is an event similar to recent events supported by United World Sports, Captain’s Knock, Atavus, etc., where organizations in our country take the initiative to help educate our players, coaches and fans. Ultimately, the game in our country wins thanks to these efforts and events.”
Coaching clinics in Chicago and San Francisco will be preceded by evening events with the former All Blacks coach, a special nightly occasion to be replicated in Atlanta. Henry’s 12-day tour will end with a final Master Coaches Clinic at Clemson University Rugby’s National Athletic Village Field. The full list of dates and locations – with registration links – can be found below.
SAN FRANCISCO
- Saturday, April 1 – An evening with Sir Graham Henry
- A dinner event is scheduled in the Bay Area at Life West
- For tickets, click here
- Sunday, April 2 – TRS Coaching Clinic
- Steuber Stadium, Stanford University
- For tickets, click here
CHICAGO
(Purchase tickets here for Chicago events)
- Monday, April 3 – An evening with Sir Graham Henry @ 7 p.m. CT
- The Ambassador Public House
310 S Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60661 - Tuesday, April 4 – Master Coaches Clinic @ 7 p.m. CT
- Morton West High School
2400 Home Ave., Berwyn, IL 60402 - Wednesday, April 5 – Master Coaches Clinic @ 7 p.m. CT
- Altgeld Park
515 S Washtenaw Ave, Chicago, IL 60612
ATLANTA
(Purchase tickets here for Atlanta event)
- Thursday, April 6 – An evening with Sir Graham Henry @ 7 p.m. CT
- Keegan’s Irish Pub
4401 Shallowford Rd
Northeast Suite 138
Roswell, GA 30075
(770) 640-1100
CLEMSON, SOUTH CAROLINA
(Purchase tickets here for Clemson University event)
- Sunday, April 9 – Master Coaches Clinic @ 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. ET
- National Athletic Village Field
400 Edinburgh Way
Seneca, SC 29678