The end of the 2020 Shute Shield season will see the departure of Head Coach, Darren Coleman to take up the Head Coaching duties at the new Los Angeles franchise, LA Giltinis, in the US Major League Rugby (MLR) competition.
Coleman departs with the Club’s blessing after joining the Highlanders for the 2019 season. He has made a noticeable difference to the Club’s rugby program bringing a new drive and professionalism across the Grades program and having an influence on the future of the Club by working with David Telfer’s Colts program. Coleman’s influence saw Gordon finish 2nd in the Club Championships with 3 of the 4 Grades sides contesting finals after the 2019 regular season. Many of our 1st Grade squad achieved representative selections in the NRC off the back of strong 2019 performances under Coleman.
“DC leaves Gordon with our full support and appreciation of the work he has done over the past two seasons. His drive and ability to engage those around him has been a major factor in the improved performance of this Club and will leave us in a good position after the 2020 season.”, Matthew Glascott, Gordon Rugby President. “Darren’s appointment at the end of the 2018 season was crucial with Gordon needing someone of his experience to help to turn the Club around, to embrace the history and past successes of the Highlanders and set a strong course for the future. I am pleased to say that during his short time at the Club he has achieved that and we will always be thankful for DC’s time at Gordon.”
While the COVID delay to the 2020 season has not allowed the execution of Coleman’s final season to go to plan, he is still determined to leave the Shute Shield and Gordon with another Premiership flag. “I am really looking forward to finishing the season with Gordon and winning a premiership before I leave. The Club has supported me during my time here and I want to thank them and the loyal supporters with a strong season after the improvements of 2019.”
With the 2020 season to recommence on Saturday 18th July, there will be an opportunity for all players and supporters to thank DC for his time as a Highlander and wish him and his family all the best for the future in LA.
