ANNOUNCING CFC HEAD OF RUGBY

It is with greatest pleasure and excitement that we announce the appointment of Mark “Hammer” Hammett to the newly created Head of Rugby role.

Mark has a wealth of playing and coaching experience, having been involved with the Canterbury/Crusaders since 2006, beginning as a forward coach and stepping up to the assistant coach role for the Crusaders and maintaining that role until 2010.

Hammer then moved to the Hurricanes where he was the Head Coach there from 2011 - 2014. After leaving the Hurricanes, Hammer went on to a Director of Rugby Role at the Cardiff Blues for 2014 and 2015 before becoming the inaugural coach of the Japanese Super Rugby expansion team, the Sunwolves, in 2016. Returning back to New Zealand for the 2016 Mitre 10 Cup Season, Hammer helped to lead the Tasman Makos back to the Premiership final. Mark Hammett joined the Highlanders in 2017, as assistant coach taking command of the forwards for 4 years.

Until recently, Mark was the director of high performance and well-being at St Thomas of Canterbury College.

Hammer’s playing experience speaks for itself: He played as a hooker representing Canterbury 76 times, the Crusaders 81 times, and the All Blacks in 30 matches, including 29 Test matches.

Exciting times ahead for CFC Rugby:

From the recent CFC Rugby Refresh Review, the creation and appointment of a Head of Rugby was identified as a pivotal role.

Chairman Craig Calder said “One of the many findings from the Refresh review was that our players, coaches and management told us we needed to address our coaching and player development strategies. Our programmes lacked direction, cohesion, alignment and planning.

The board has made a significant increase in investment in rugby for the future. We see Hammer’s appointment as a critical component in our refresh”.

Hammer said “I am genuinely excited to be part of the Christchurch Football Club and looking forward to the challenge. I have given the club a minimum 3-year commitment to the role. I was part of the Rugby Refresh review panel and know and understand the challenges the club are facing. I was very impressed with the commitment of the board to want to make changes, not only in the Premier divisions but across all grades. It’s a privilege to help collectively lead this revitalization and new direction. The hard work starts today “.

Hammer will officially commence his role on 14th October, although he will be working with Bevan and Craig casually.

Article added: Wednesday 02 October 2024