NEW HEAD COACH ANNOUNCEMENT

It is with great pleasure that we announce the appointment of Bevan Sisson as our new Premier team head coach.

After an extensive search and interview process, and on the recommendation of the interview panel, the CFC board are delighted to endorse Bevan’s appointment.

Bevan is a vastly experienced and competitive Head Coach that has had success within the Canterbury Rugby community. His strengths are proven, he creates positive team environments through clear leadership involving successful planning and individual player improvement while creating long term player relationships and positive development.

Bevan’s coaching experience includes:

• Canterbury B Head Coach 2018-2021
• Cantabrian U20 Forwards Coach and Head Coach
• Ellesmere Representative Forwards and Attack Coach 2023-2024
• Lincoln University Head Coach 2017, 2018, 2023
• Lincoln University Colts Head Coach 2015, 2016
• Burnside Rugby Head Coach 2019-2021

His rugby achievements speak for themselves:

• Lincoln University DIV1 Premier Championship winners 2017 -2018
• Lincoln University Colts Premier Championship winners 2015- 2016
• Unbeaten Cantabrian 20’s two campaigns 16 games
• Lincoln University Club Coach of the Year 2014, 2020, 2023

Matt Mustchin, Director of CFC Rugby said “we are genuinely delighted with the appointment of Bevan and the interest shown from other CFC coaches. He has the experience at Head Coach level, his record speaks for itself. Bevan will appoint other coaches to join him in the coming weeks”.

Bevan added “Being given the opportunity to be part of the Christchurch club and assist in their goal of moving forward over the next few years is really exciting. From the board to the old and new players, it is easy to see the passion for CFC to succeed into the future, not only in the senior group but across all grades. It’s a privilege to be part of this growth and look forward to getting the group together soon and outline our vision for 2025 and beyond “.  

Stand by for more updates, Bevan has started planning already.

CFC RUGBY REFRESH & REBOOT REVIEW UPDATE

Introduction:

The CFC Board agreed to undertake an extensive review of our rugby (Refresh) and operations (Reboot) of the club.

We appointed Board members Mark Arneil and Teresa Moore to Chair the two reviews. Each of the review groups met independently of each other, the rugby refresh panellists conducted extensive interviews individually with over 30 current players, coaches & managers, club physio, support staff and club officials: 3 life members and circa 10 ex-players, coaches and board members. A workshop was also held with the Premier men’s leadership (players) group.

The reviews aimed to identify contributory factors and issues, ensuring we have the right operational structures in place, create a roadmap for rejuvenating the club’s on-field performances, provide development pathways for players, coaches and managers across the club, embrace the rich tapestry and diversity of the Christchurch community, and reclaim the status of being Christchurch’s number one rugby club of choice; And by association, strengthen the club’s fiscal position.

“The sky hasn’t fallen in, but we need to make changes to how we do things in the men’s senior limb of the club to deliver better development & performances, or we will be left further behind”

Objectives of the Reboot Operational Review:

Purpose: These objectives aim to ensure that the CFC’s operational structure is both effective and sustainable, aligning with the organisation's future needs which are currently under review.

• Assess the Current Operational Structure
• Address Costs
• Consider Rugby Refresh Review and recommendations
• Provide Recommendations and plans for board approval

Objectives of the Refresh Rugby Review:

Purpose: systematically address key rugby areas, identify contributory factors and issues, create a roadmap/plan for rejuvenating the club’s future on-field performances, provide development pathways for players, coaches and managers across the club, ensure we have the correct structures and supporting investment in place to achieve our objectives.

The Refresh review covered all aspects of the rugby side of the club, including:

• The Club Culture 
• The CFC Rugby Programme 
• Players & Coaching
• Communication – Internal and external
• Rugby Organisational and Governance Structures
• Priority Recommendations 

Board adopted future strategic priorities: 9 September 2024

1. Culture: Define our culture-DNA-values strategy: workshop and feedback involve total club.
2. One Club: Develop a clear precise holistic strategic plan for “one club".
3. Rugby Future: Strengthen the investment in Rugby-financially and with resources.
4. Communications: Develop a Communications Plan-how to implement and execute it.
5. Coaching: Develop Coaching structures, appointments, and a plan(s).
6. Rugby Structure: Adopt a refreshed Rugby Operations Group away from the traditional committee structure, engage people who have the expertise, willingness and skills to refresh our club.
7. Board Review: Undertake a governance- board review, addressing skills matrix and identifying future board members.
8. Performance: Ensure everyone understands their part in the club’s development and the roles they have along with providing performance criteria for everyone including coaches, managers, staff etc.
9. Operational Structure: Adopt the business operational staff recommendations.
10. Budgets/Costs: Undertake next stage costs optimization, and budget review.

Next steps:

The board is currently planning and implementing all the above recommendations. More information will be forthcoming as we implement them.

Onwards and Upwards:

The Board would like to express our sincere thanks to everyone who has contributed their time, thoughts and insights into these independent reviews. We appreciate the passion, candour, vigour and level of honesty in which the panel and participants have engaged throughout. 

We also acknowledge our unsung heroes of the club - the players, coaches, support teams, club members, supporters and staff who work tirelessly week after week, year after year dedicating their time, passion and expertise to bring enjoyment, support, encouragement, comradery, and the love of rugby to the Christchurch Football Club. 

We are on the cusp of entering into one of the most exciting eras of the club, there are no short fixes, however these reviews have given us the foundation, knowledge and insights to build sound strategies and plans moving forward.

I will keep you up to date with further developments as they are able to be released over the coming weeks.

Within the next 8 weeks we will be undertaking a “Future/Values” open workshop/ meeting, we will share more of the review findings and feedback, and give you the opportunity to ask questions, have your say and contribute to the long-term direction of CFC.

On behalf of the CFC Board

Craig Calder

Chairman

Article added: Wednesday 02 October 2024