Phil Ave has returned to Nelson College as its new director of rugby, stepping into a role designed to strengthen one of the country’s most respected school rugby programmes.
A former PE teacher at the college, Phil last coached the first XV in 2014 before moving to live in the Cook Islands for the past 10 years. Speaking to a year 10 rugby academy class of more than 40 students, his enthusiasm for the game and for developing young players was clear.
“It’s great to be back. To be honest, I wouldn’t have come back to full time teaching anywhere else except Nelson College.”
The director of rugby role is newly created, expanding what was previously the master in charge of rugby. Phil accepts the job brings pressure and high expectations, but says he is ready for what lies ahead.
“There’s always pressure when it comes to rugby, but my main role is to oversee all our teams and make sure they’re running as well as they can. I’m not coaching, and having done that, that’s where the pressure is.”
High on his to-do list is ensuring every team has quality coaches for the coming season. Phil is also looking forward to shaping the new role and supporting the first XV as their manager.do list is ensuring every team has quality coaches for the coming season. Phil is also looking forward to shaping the new role and supporting the first XV as their manager.
