News

Tai Lavea has been appointed as Head Coach of the Counties Manukau PIC Steelers for two years.

Lavea brings with him a strong coaching record, having coached Saint Kentigern College to five 1A titles in seven years and won two national titles. Lavea is no stranger to Mitre 10 Cup rugby, having been involved with the Auckland coaching group for their past two Mitre 10 Cup campaigns, including winning the Mitre 10 Cup premiership title in 2018. Lavea has also previously had success with Counties Manukau Under 19 team and coached Chiefs Rugby Club age group sides.

Counties Manukau Rugby Chairman Craig Carter said a detailed and thorough appointment process was conducted by the High Performance committee and the Union is incredibly pleased with the appointment.

“There was a high calibre of interest in the position and Tai was appointed on the back of his success, respect in rugby community and the vision that he has for Counties Manukau rugby,” Carter said.

Carter added: “After a challenging year for the Steelers in 2019, now is the time to move forward and in Tai we have a highly regarded young coach who will bring a level of freshness and innovation to our coaching space.”

Tai Lavea said “I am very grateful for the opportunity to lead the Counties Manukau PIC Steelers for the next two years and I look forward to building strong relationships and alignment with our Players, Supporters, Sponsors and most importantly our Club Rugby community”

Lavea will work with the High Performance committee over the coming months to complete coaching and management appointments, and it is the Board’s vision that these appointments will be made from people within the Counties Manukau region and form the nucleus of the Counties Steelers coaching set up for the next six to eight years.

Coaching Bio

2019:

Auckland Rugby Mitre 10 Cup Assistant Coach

2018:

Auckland Rugby Mitre 10 Cup Assistant Coach

2017:

Chiefs U20’s Head Coach

Saint Kentigern College 1st XV Head Coach

2016:

Counties Manukau U19 Assistant Coach

Chiefs U18’s Assistant Coach

Saint Kentigern College 1st XV Head Coach

2015:

Counties Manukau U19 Assistant Coach

Saint Kentigern College 1st XV Head Coach

2014:

Saint Kentigern College 1st XV Head Coach

2013:

Blues U18 Head Coach

Saint Kentigern College 1st XV Head Coach

2012:

Saint Kentigern College 1st XV Head Coach

2011:

Saint Kentigern College 1st XV Head Coach

2010:

Saint Kentigern College 1st XV Head Coach