Griquas boss reveals his new club in USA
NEWS: The New England Free Jacks announced the appointments of the highly skilled Scott Mathie and Mike Rogers to the coaching staff for the 2022 Major League Rugby Season (MLR) and beyond.
Mathie, assuming the role of head coach of the Free Jacks, will bring a history of player and people-focused development, innovative attacking systems, and the curation of exceptional team environments to bring out the best in players in New England, the USA-based side stated.
Rogers will join the as the senior assistant coach with forwards and defence oversight, bringing a wealth of coaching experience from New Zealand’s Mitre 10 Cup and Super Rugby.
A promising coach on the rise at the cutting edge of the modern game, Mathie will look to build on his experience as head coach.
Known as a “giant killer” for leading the Griquas side to resounding victories over Super Rugby level opponents, Mathie will bring to the Free Jacks his experience as head coach of the Griquas, director of rugby and head coach at Durban High School, Durban Collegians attack and backs coach, and Sharks Academy head coach.
Mathie previously represented the Sharks and Bulls at Super Rugby and Currie Cup levels as a top-level scrumhalf, before going on to play for Sale Sharks and Leeds Carnegie in the English Premiership.
“It is a massive honour to take up the head coaching role of the Free Jacks, and the family and I are very excited to begin this journey,” Mathie said.
“I’ve always been inspired to pioneer new things and the opportunity to build on the already strong foundation laid here in New England is something that really speaks to me.
“Rugby is a game that brings us together and builds relationships that last forever. We want to foster that culture and to continue to develop our players and our community on and off the field.
“Combining my own and Mike’s extremely competitive nature we hope to build a successful culture and ultimately develop a world-class team in line with the rich history of New England sport.”
*Meanwhile Griquas have announced the appointment of Pieter Bergh as their new head coach for 2022.
Bergh, formerly the coach of CUT in the Varsity Cup competition, has signed a three-year contract.
🐎//🏉 Welcome to the team, Coach!
Former @GriquasRugby Head Coach Scott Mathie joins the Free Jacks as a recognized “Giant Killer” in
South Africa’s @TheCurrieCup, SuperSport Challenge and Super Rugby Unlocked!🔗https://t.co/iZWYRbGKZG#TogetherWeRide #LetsRide #LightTheWay pic.twitter.com/DWSiLVn3kr
— New England Free Jacks (@NEFreeJacks) September 9, 2021
