Bull back at helm of Red Devils next year

Mark (Bull) Stewart has been reappointed as head coach of the Marlborough Red Devils rugby team for the 2010 season.

His appointment was confirmed today by Marlborough Rugby Sub-Union area manager Craig Morris, who said the reason for the early appointment was so that planning could start now for next season.

Morris said, "We want to plan a good programme for next season, develop Mark as a coach. We want to recruit players to play club rugby here and a representative squad will start training in November."

The future of Marlborough rugby is still very much up in the air with Tasman under pressure to escape the boot from next year's Air New Zealand Cup competition. If that does happen, there is a chance Marlborough and Nelson Bays will revert back to separate unions, but Morris said Stewart's appointment was made with all the scenarios considered.

"We want to be well prepared whatever situation arises. Mark has a lot of respect with the players and he's done a very good job this year in getting the pride and passion back in the Red Devils jersey."

Stewart is thrilled to be reappointed for another year and said he always wanted to coach Marlborough when his playing career had finished.

A serious forestry accident last year ended his playing career and he admitted he is very much in a learning phase as a coach.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed it this year. Still learning. It's been hard in the latter part of the season with injuries and unavailabilities."

Stewart said he has spoken to Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder and he hopes to spend some time in camp with the Super 14 organisation.

Stewart has no doubt what has to be done to get Marlborough rugby up to speed.

"Strength, conditioning and a higher skill base. We've got to be bigger, faster and stronger and more skilful. You look at the Tasman players. They all look like athletes.

"We've got young players doing the work. Jesse MacDonald and Vernon Fredricks are good examples. They want to be professional rugby players."

Morris and Stewart are hopeful that this year's assistant coach Wayne Young will also be back on board, but his availability has yet to be confirmed.

- The Marlborough Express