Defending champions Hautapu Sports have added to their Premier Rugby coaching line-up ahead of the 2024 Waikato season.
Having appointed Jackson Willison as head coach for next season, the club has confirmed roles for Waikato Chiefs forward Hamilton Burr and club newcomers Fraser Armstrong and Elliott Sharp.
Roles for the trio:
Jackson Willison — head coach, backline unit, game day tactics and team attack.
Hamilton Burr — Forward unit, set piece and breakdown coach.
Fraser Armstrong — Scrum coach.
Elliott Sharp — Defence coach.
Hautapu Sports are chasing their fourth Breweries Shield in six seasons when they start their 2024 campaign.
READ MORE: Hautapu lift the Breweries Shield again after high-scoring win in grand final >>>>
Jackson Willison
Head coach
Willison (35) is a rising talent as a coach, with experience in New Zealand and overseas, and is a former professional who has played in England, France and New Zealand.
Having started his club rugby journey with Hautapu Sports as a teenager, Willison played Super Rugby for the Waikato Chiefs and the Auckland Blues, and made 60 appearances for Waikato’s Ranfurly Shield-winning team.
READ MORE: Jackson Willison returns to Hautapu Sports to lead Waikato Premier A squad >>>>
Hamilton Burr
Forwards coach
Scottish-born Burr (27) has become a standout player for Hautapu Sports since arriving in New Zealand more than four years ago.
His 50+ appearances for Hautapu have earned him selection to the Waikato NPC squad and the Waikato Chiefs. Burr is one of a number of overseas players who have successfully integrated with New Zealand rugby after joining Hautapu sports.
READ MORE: Hautapu’s overseas players relishing New Zealand rugby and lifestyle >>>>
Fraser Armstrong
Scrum coach
Armstrong (31) joins Hautapu as a specialist scrum coach and will also work with the club’s other senior rugby squads.
A former New Zealand Schoolboys rep (2010) and New Zealand U-20 international (2012), injury forced Armstrong’s retirement from professional rugby in 2021, after a career with Waikato, Auckland and finishing his career with 36 Super Rugby games for the Hurricanes.
His knowledge of scrum play and his experience at a high-level will benefit all forwards at Hautapu Sports.
Elliott Sharp
Defence coach
Sharp joins the Premier coaching staff after coaching roles with St Peter’s first XV where he specialised as a forwards coach, and as a defence coach.
He has extensive coaching experience in the Waikato and Auckland regions, and has recently coached the Waikato U-18 age grade squad.
Sharp has an eye for detail, a thorough knowledge of the game and is ready for the challenge of Waikato Premier Rugby next season.
Want to play rugby for Hautapu Sport?
Hautapu Sports welcomes enquiries from players seeking to develop their rugby with a successful club in New Zealand rugby’s heartland of the Waikato region.
Enquiries should be emailed to:
Director of Rugby: seniorrugby@hautapusports.com
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