Sydney University Football Club (SUFC) will have a new coaching team at the helm in 2013 to lead the club into what will be its 150th Anniversary year.
Chris Malone has been appointed Head Coach, Jack Farrer will take on the Director of Rugby role and David Haigh will join the staff as Director of Colts.
Chris Malone takes over the reins from 2012 Shute Shield Premiership winning coach Todd Louden, who made the difficult decision at the close of the 2012 season to step down as Head Coach due to demanding travel commitments and personal reasons.
Malone is no stranger to SUFC and has played a significant role since joining the club as a player in 1999. Taking on the 1st Grade captaincy in 2000, Malone lead the Students to their first 1st grade Premiership in 30 years in 2001. As a young and extremely talented fly half, Malone led a team which included Super Rugby and International players such as Phil Waugh, Dan Vickerman, Brendan Cannon, David Lyons and Luke Inman. Malone spent the next decade playing professionally in the UK for Bath, Harlequins and the London Irish.
Malone returned home to Australia and linked up with his former club last season. Over the past 16 months he has been the head coach of SUFC’s successful 2nd Grade team and has been the Club’s High Performance Coach, playing a key role with player development. SUFC President David Mortimer AO is delighted to appoint Malone as the club’s Head Coach.
“Chris has been a key part of our succession planning, he is a quality coach and person who has a very strong understanding of the SUFC rugby program, culture and standards. I have every confidence Chris can lead our Club in the professional manner our players and supporters always expect,” saidMortimer.
The opportunity to take the club forward is one that Malone is extremely excited about.
“I am honoured to coach at the club which provided me with so many opportunities and has helped shape the person I am today. My aim will be to provide an environment which is based on working hard, development and ultimately enjoying the experience,” said Malone.
“2013 will be a very exciting year for the club on and off the field, as we will be celebrating our 150th Anniversary, and I want the whole club to be successful as we continue some of the traditions and values that has made this club so special.”
Former SUFC 1st Grade Centre Jack Farrer has done an outstanding job over the last three years as Director of Colts, winning three consecutive Colts 1 Premierships and Colts Club Championships and was a natural appointment to the Director of Rugby role.
David Haigh joins the coaching team following a distinguished playing career for SUFC, which commenced in the club’s Colts program, finishing his playing career with the club as a key member in the 1st Grade squad. David completed his playing career with a season playing professionally in Japan. He returned to Australia and was Assistant Coach with Jack Farrer’s successful Colts 1 team in 2012.
President David Mortimer AO is particularly pleased that all three appointments are home grown products.
“Chris, Jack and David have all played, coached and studied at Sydney University and are very impressive men. Our focus over the past 15 years has always been to develop from within and these appointments are a strong reflection on our evolving rugby program,” saidMortimer AO.
These full time coaching appointments will commence on the 1st November 2012 and preparations for the 2013 season are well under way. In 2012 SUFC set a new club and competition records when the club won the 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 5th Grade, Colts 1 and Colts 2 Premierships as well as the Club Championship and Colts Club Championship.
For further questions or detail please contact:
Baden Stephenson
Sydney University Football Club
Executive General Manager
0450 151 115
