I am really excited about the next phase in my coaching career as Head Coach of the Counties Manukau Steelers.

My family and I really enjoy living here and I have become very attached to the area and to the players.

There is a great talent pool here and the region is renowned for growing players which we will continue to do and focus on retaining the players within the Counties Manukau region.

In the last few years I have enjoyed my role with the side and am keen to continue and build on the good work that has been done.

Counties Manukau’s riches are in its people, players, supporters, sponsors and fans.  It is great to be a member of a team of people who are focused on fielding a successful team.

Our players enjoy the environment and this is one of the reasons we are also experiencing interest in players from other Unions which is a nice change.

We are trying to concentrate on developing players as a whole, in addition to the rugby aspect which I think is vital for players in the modern game.

I would like to wish you all a safe and happy Christmas and hope you get to spend some special time with your family and friends.

Chase your dreams

Tana

The family had a great trip to Melbourne last week, apart from my youngest daughter breaking her leg when she fell off a merry go round, but as young children do she has bounced back quickly.

On Thursday I attended a fund raising event for the Franklin Silver Lining Trust at Micro Plumbing in Pukekohe.  The Franklin Silver Lining Trust is a community charity that provides special breaks to people facing adversity.  It is great to see an area so passionate about looking after the people in their community.

Last week I played in the Counties Manukau Placemakers Golf Classic at Manukau Golf Club.  It was an unbelievably windy day which did not help the golf much but our team managed to come 1st out of 17 –  so thanks to the Jim and the boys from the ASB.

I hope to get a bit more golf in over summer.

Chase your dreams

Tana

Last week I was down in Wellington for an ITM Cup coach’s conference.  It was all about the future structure of the competition. I always enjoy going to Wellington as I get to spend some time with my son.

I managed to catch up with Ma’a Nonu before he left to go away to Japan and I think he is excited about the new challenge and the different experiences his time in Japan will offer.  I will be following his season with the Blues with great interest and am looking forward to the start of Super Rugby next year with all the movement in the teams.

On Friday I went to the South Auckland Motor’s golf day at Pukekohe and it was a highly entertaining day.  I played with some good people but clearly I need to spend some more time on the course to improve my golf!

In the next few weeks my family and I are planning to take a short holiday to catch up with some extended family. We are all looking forward to the trip but it has been really nice just to hang out at home after the Rugby World Cup – I am a real advocate for the old saying ‘There is no place like home’.