Former Hautapu Sports player Marty Bourke has been shortlisted for this year’s New Zealand Rugby men’s Coach of the Year award.
Bourke (45) is one of three nominees for the award after leading Canterbury to the NPC title.
Other nominees are Mark Brown (Otago) and Rob Penney (Crusaders) in the awards to be broadcast on Sky Sport 1 on Thursday December 11, 2025 (7.30pm).
Bourke (Waikato Tainui) has also been recognised at the Māori Sports Awards in which he was named Te Maru õ Tümatauenga | Mãori Sports Coach of the Year.
Bourke has recently resigned as head coach for Canterbury’s NPC side after three years in the lead role and five seasons in the coaching group.
He’s also been part of the Chiefs’ coaching staff in the DHL Super Rugby Pacific competition and part of the New Zealand U-20 coaching team.
Despite his travel-intensive coaching commitments, Bourke remains a Cambridge resident where his children attend local schools, and he continues to support Hautapu Sports, where he was an accomplished full back.
Bourke coached a 10th-grade junior team in 2024, and in 2025, he supported the 11th-grade Pounamu team.
Hautapu Sports Club president Dave Simes said the national recognition of Bourke’s achievements was deserved.
“As a club, watching Marty progress through the coaching ranks has been a real privilege,” Simes said.
“His achievements so far have been impressive, and we know there is still much more ahead for him.
“Marty was a skilled and committed player for Hautapu in the successful early 2000s, and his strong connection to the club has remained ever since.
“Even with the demands of professional coaching, he still makes the effort to return to the club, whether coaching our Hautapu juniors, helping at clinics, speaking at events, or reconnecting with old teammates.
“His commitment, as well as his family’s long and meaningful relationship with Hautapu, is something we truly value. We are proud to have him as part of our Hautapu family, and congratulate him for being recognised at this national award level in NZ Rugby.”
Bourke began coaching as an assistant for the Bay of Plenty provincial side before seeking overseas experience, working as an attacking coach for Rugby United New York.
In the past five years, he has become on the country’s leading coaches.
Canterbury Rugby chief executive Tony Smail said Bourke will “leave behind a legacy that will be part of this organisation for years to come”.
In a statement, Small said: “During this time, he has brought energy, leadership, and a genuine passion for the game, while showing an unwavering commitment to the growth of rugby and players across the region.
“Marty has played a pivotal part in shaping the team’s culture, driving performance standards, and inspiring the next generation of Red and Black talent. His influence will be felt well beyond his tenure.”
Of his decision to resign, Bourke said: “This has been the toughest decision of my career because of the strong bonds and connections I feel towards the region, but I feel now is the right moment for someone else to step in and take the team forward into the future.”
New Zealand Rugby awards
Nominations: ASB National Men’s Coach of the Year
Marty Bourke (Canterbury)
Mark Brown (Otago)
Rob Penney (Crusaders)
Māori Sports awards
Te Maru õ Tümatauenga | Mãori Sports Coach of the Year
Winner: Marty Bourke (Waikato Tainui)
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