LIAM Middleton, the former Cheetahs and Bristol RFC coach has been appointed the Zimbabwe Rugby Union (ZRU) technical director. SPORTS REPORTER
The England-based coach, who led the Cheetahs to the Bowl title at the IRB Rugby World Cup Sevens in Dubai four years ago, will start his tenure as technical director today.
Last month ZRU used their official website to advertise for the post with Liam immediately expressing his interest in the job.
“With a number of applications having been made and after due consideration, the Zimbabwe Rugby Union’s national executive committee has appointed Liam Middleton for the position. Middleton will start his tenure as technical director of Zimbabwe Rugby on Thursday 17th October (today),” the union said in a statement yesterday.
“Liam has been a part of Zimbabwe rugby structures in the past and brings a wealth of experience and qualifications to the role, as well as a good understanding of the game in Zimbabwe.
“In the recent past, Middleton has been more involved in the 15s game, having just finished his tenure as head coach of the Bristol Rugby Club. He has the highest level of coaching qualification, the RFU Level 4 certificate and is highly respected in coaching circles,” part of the statement read.
Middleton has a proven track record of successfully implementing and managing rugby development programmes after he worked at Hartpury Rugby academy and as academy manager at Bristol Rugby Club.
This has earned him a reputation for identifying and developing talented players.
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ZRU said a long-term coaching, development and training programme in line with their strategic plan will be implemented at the beginning of January 2014.
Among other objectives, Middleton will tackle the following short-term objectives for 2013:
- To review resource allocation and budgeting according to strategy
- Establish an elite athlete development programmes for future rugby Olympians
- Establish a coach development programme and specialist coach’s delivery programme
- Consult over all technical issues relating to the upcoming Namibian tour to Windhoek (November 8 to 12) and the IRB World Series event in Port Elizabeth.
