Sri Lanka Rugby has announced the appointment of Rodney Gibbs, former assistant coach of the New Zealand All Blacks Sevens team, as the new Head Coach of the national men’s rugby side.
Gibbs is set to officially assume duties on May 26 and will remain at the helm through the upcoming Asia Rugby Emirates Men’s Championship, which features top-tier teams from across the continent.
A seasoned coach with international pedigree, Gibbs brings to Sri Lanka a wealth of experience, having previously led the Black Ferns Probables and the New Zealand Barbarians and his appointment is expected to inject renewed professionalism and tactical insight into the Sri Lankan squad as they prepare for a highly competitive tournament.
Sri Lanka is grouped alongside Hong Kong China, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates in the prestigious Asia Rugby Top 4 competition.
The team’s campaign will kick off on June 14 with a home fixture against South Korea, followed by away and home encounters against Hong Kong, China and the UAE, respectively.
Gibbs’ arrival comes at a critical time for Sri Lanka Rugby, which is seeking to re-establish its presence on the regional stage following a period of transition and restructuring.
Rugby officials have expressed optimism that the appointment of a coach of Gibbs’ calibre will elevate the team’s performance and foster long-term development within the national rugby framework.
Leave a comment