The New Zealand Rugby Football Union today announced one of its top coahes, John Boe, will be loaned to Manu Samoa for this year’s Pacific Rim competition. NZRFU Chairman Rob Fisher said today that Mr Boe would be sent on assignment with Manu Samoa at the completion of his New Zealand Under 19 commitments in late April. “This innovative arrangement enables one of our leading coaches to gain international experience and to help one of our closest rugby partners, Manu Samoa,” said Mr Fisher. “John Boe’s NZRFU contract has an IRB clause that enables us to loan him to another rugby nation within the Oceania region, to assist with the development of the game.” Mr Fisher stressed that Mr Boe was on loan for a three month period to manu Samoa. This situation differed from the NZRFU Board policy that coaches were ineligible to lead the All Blacks if they coached another country. “John remains on contract with the NZRFU throughout. His role with Manu Samoa will be limited to coaching their representative side during the three month Pacific Rim competition. “This is an exciting, professional opportunity for John, but it is also means New Zealand will benefit from his international experience.2 Mr Boe said from Wellington today: “I am excited at the opportunity to develop my coaching skills at an international level, and also playing my part in helping the NZRFU achieve one of its strategic goals to foster the game globally. “I have always admired the Samoan style of fast, open and passionate play. Off the field I have always enjoyed the humble approach of the game. “I will be coaching the side agains a lot of teams that competed in last year’s Rugby World Cup, including Japan, Italy, Tonga, Fiji, Canada and the USA.” Mr Boe’s immediate assignment is to prepare and coach the New Zealand Under 19 team to defend its World Championship title in France in early April. For further information please contact Jackie Maitland at the NZRFU: Tel: +64 4 499 4995 Fax: +64 4 499 4224 Website: www.nzrugby.co.nz