Rugby: Wellington Lions sign Andre Bell as head coach
The Wellington Lions have appointed Andre Bell as head coach. The Lions had promoted Bell to the position of head coach from assistant coach on a temporary basis in August this year, following former head coach Jamie Joseph’s resignation.
Bell worked as temporary head coach of the Lions for four months and impressed the players and the senior management alike. He was one of seven shortlisted candidates – all “outstanding” coaches, according to Wellington Rugby Union (WRU) chairman Tony Duffin
– for the permanent position of head coach, and was picked by the WRU out of a further shortlist of four.
"Andre has proved himself as a quality coach,” said Duffin, “And we are delighted to appoint him to the position full-time.”
Talking to the media after his appointment, Bell expressed his determination to continue the Lions’ winning momentum in the next season.
"Finishing off where we did at the end of the year was pleasing and with the nature of the competition next year, my big push was continuity,” Bell said of his sales pitch to WRU selectors. “The board agreed and I'm thankful for
that. Now we're just moving forward."
He also declared that the Lions’ goal next season would be to win the ITM Cup. This year, Bell led the Lions to the ITM playoffs but they were eventually knocked out in the semifinals.
"Our goal is to win the ITM Cup,” he said. “Some teams are happy just to make the semis but we want to win - we have high expectations.”
Bell also expressed his desire to capitalize on the potential of younger players. "This season is going to be about bringing a lot of younger players and academy players through,” said Bell. “The depth we have in the squad is important.
There is a huge amount of talent there - factoring in the number of under 20s players coming through. Club play in the Wellington region is also strong so there are lots of players coming through for the future."
That is a point on which Duffin is in agreement with Bell.
"This season the younger players played really well, scoring a number of tries and getting to the semis,” said Duffin. “Having said that, we will not be happy until we go all the way and win the competition. That is our aim and
with Andre at the helm we believe we have given ourselves the best possible chance of achieving that."
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