Press Release: Life West, Tiger Rugby brings Sir Graham Henry to the US
CHICAGO, IL – A casual chat between rugby colleagues has led to an opportunity to bring former Rugby World Cup winning coach, Sir Graham Henry, to the United States in April.
The joint venture between Tiger Rugby, the Northern California RFU (NCRFU), Life West Rugby and The Rugby Site, see’s the former All Blacks Coach travel to San Francisco, Chicago, Atlanta & Clemson on a 12-day tour.
The trip came about after Adriaan Ferris, Life West’s Athletic Director & Head Coach; spoke to Tiger Rugby’s James Walker about collaborative thoughts on Coach Development in USA. Ferris, who has knows Sir Graham and has worked with him previously when he was in charge of the Northland NPC (Mitre 10 Cup) side in New Zealand, mentioned to Walker that Sir Graham was perfect to help develop local coaches. This led to a general discussion to bring Sir Graham to America.
Ferris, who is also the NCRFU’s Director of Coach Development, uses his own experience with the former All Black Coach to account for what Sir Graham can offer coaches. Ferris explains, “his knowledge of the game is unparalleled but I think it is his experience as an educator that really sets him apart. He was a teacher who went from coaching schoolboys to the top of his craft winning the 2011 RWC. It is his journey – his ups and downs as a coach that is fascinating… he knows what all coaches go through because he has walked in their shoes”.
It has been a very collaborative approach to date but one that has a common goal. The main objective for Sir Graham’s trip is to help coaches in USA develop their coaching. That is something Tiger Rugby, Life West, the NCRFU and The Rugby Site is passionate about.
Tiger Rugby has forged a name as being a true rugby innovator in the US, with their specialized player academies and coaching clinics, so it is only natural that Tiger Rugby is at the forefront of bringing one of the greatest coaches in the modern era to America.
“As coaches, we should always be looking for avenues to expand our knowledge of the game. Rugby is continually evolving, and we firmly believe that if you’re not elevating yourself you are losing ground. What better person than Sir Graham Henry, who himself has been through many trials on his way to the pinnacle of the game to share his knowledge with aspiring coaches. We are truly honored to have this opportunity” said James Walker, Director of Tiger Rugby
With educational sessions planned for San Francisco, Chicago, Georgia, and Clemson University, there will be multiple opportunities to meet Sir Graham and attend a coaching clinic.
San Francisco
Saturday April 1st – An evening with Sir Graham Henry
A dinner event is scheduled in the Bay Area on Saturday 1 April at Life West. For tickets click: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/an-evening-with-sir-graham-henry-tickets-32903190328
Sunday April 2nd – San Francisco TRS Coaching Clinic
Stueber Stadium, Stanford University. For tickets click: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/trs-coaching-clinic-with-sir-graham-henry-tickets-32940547063
Chicago, Illinois (Purchase tickets HERE for Chicago events)
Monday April 3th – An evening with Sir Graham Henry @7PM
The Ambassador Public House
310 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60661
Tuesday April 4th – Master Coaches Clinic @7PM
Morton West High School
2400 Home Ave, Berwyn, IL 60402
Wednesday April 5th – Master Coaches Clinic @7PM
Altgeld Park
515 S Washtenaw Ave, Chicago, IL 60612
Atlanta, Georgia (Purchase tickets HERE for Atlanta event)
Thursday April 6th – An evening with Sir Graham Henry @7PM
Keegan’s Irish Pub
4401 Shallowford Rd
Northeast Suite 138
Roswell, GA, 30075
(770) 640-1100
Clemson University (Purchase tickets HERE for Clemson event)
Sunday April 9th – Master Coaches Clinic @ 2PM- 5PM
National Athletic Village Field
400 Edinburgh Way
Seneca, SC 29678
