NRC: Harris named UC Vikings Head Coach for Season 2015

Wed, May 20, 2015, 1:30 AM

The UC Vikings have started preparations for the 2015 Buildcorp National Rugby Championships (NRC) season with Canberra local Brad Harris named as Head Coach this week.

Brumbies Forwards Coach and 2014 UC Vikings Head Coach, Dan McKellar, will move to the new role of Director of Rugby for the Brumbies, in the absence of Brumbies World Cup bound Head Coach, Stephen Larkham. As Director of Rugby McKellar will provide additional support for Harris and oversee the UC Vikings program, while also managing the off-season program for the Brumbies.   

“Local club coaches were invited to submit their interest to be involved in our 2015 NRC program, with five prospect candidates interviewed,” McKellar said.

“Brad is an experienced coach who has the proven ability to run a professional rugby program and achieve results.” 

Harris said he was excited by the opportunity to expand his coaching career in the NRC.  

“Having been involved in the program last year as Assistant Coach I am really looking forward to stepping up and taking on more responsibility in the role as Head Coach. I am looking forward to working alongside Dan and the professional rugby environment that comes with working so close to the Brumbies rugby program.” 

“In the inaugural year of the competition last year the UC Vikings finished up a disappointing sixth overall. We have a talented pool of players in the ACT and I am excited about working with the players from the region to improve on last year’s results and make the finals in 2015.”  

Along with McKellar and Harris, former Brumbies and Gungahlin Eagles prop, Dan Palmer will feature as forward’s coach while Wests Craig Robberds takes control of the backs.  

Dan McKellar – Director of Rugby

Brad Harris – Head Coach

Craig Robberds – Backs Coach

Dan Palmer – Forwards Coach

Christos Argus – S&C Coach    

The UC Vikings took further steps towards the season in also naming a provisional training squad of 39 players, which will be cut to 19 once Super Rugby and Wallabies players have been allocated.    

Squad training begins for the UC Vikings on May 20, with the final squad to be announced on August 4.   

UC Vikings Clubs Training squad: Andrew Barrell, Andrew Robinson, Connal McInerney, Cuan Hablutzel, Dan Penca, Darcy Eason, Dave McKern, Dean Oakman-Hunt, Ernest Suavai, Gareth Clouston, Harry Burrey, Harry Lloyd, Isaac Thompson, Jake Rakic, Jerome Niumata, Joe Powell, Jordan Jackson-Hope, JP Pretorious, Keith Morgan, Michael Henry, Michael Oakman-Hunt, Michael Smith, Mitch Douch, Montanna O'Neill, Neori Nadruku, OJ Noa, Pedro Rolando, Phil Kite, Ray Dobson, Rob Buaserau, Rowan Perry, Rutikha  Ilolahia, Senio Teleofoa, Sione Taula, Steve Sione, Tim Cornforth, Tim Cree, Toby Wilson, Tyrell Lomax.  

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