Rugby Southland are pleased to announce former SIT Zero Fees Southland Stag James Wilson will join the Stags line up as assistant coach for the 2021 Bunnings Warehouse NPC season.

With over 250 first class games to his name, including over 80 for Southland between 2003-2018, Wilson will bring new ideas to the Stags attack, in particular the backs.

Wilson, who has spent the last 12 months playing professionally in Japan, joins Head Coach Dale MacLeod and Assistant Coach David Hall to complete the bulk of the coaching line up, filling the role held by Southland Rugby Legend Jason Kawau since 2016.

Jason has stepped back from Rugby to spend more time with his family and focus on his other passion, building.

Rugby Southland and the SIT Zero Fees Southland Stags wish to acknowledge Jason’s commitment to Southland Rugby over the past 15 years, as a player with 50 caps in the jersey and five seasons as a coach.

Dale MacLeod is pleased to have James Wilson in the team environment and acknowledges the work Jason has put in over the past five seasons.

“Jason will leave a big hole to fill. I tried very hard to keep him involved for our 2021 campaign and I totally understand and respect his reasonings for taking a step back. Jason and Aneke are both very busy and they have a young family that keeps them both on their toes."

However Dale admits the door never really closes once you're in with his coaching line up.

"The door will always be open for Jase to return to any team I am coaching in the future. I know Jase will always be there to chat about any ideas or thoughts we may have. He'll still have some input into our group and I know he will be a good sounding board for James.”.

Newly signed assistant coach James Wilson is no strange face for the Stags Squad or Dale. 

"James is a highly experienced player who has played all over the world. My first year with the Stags, James was playing so we have a very good understanding around how we both work. Last year during covid, James and Josh Bekhuis coached our Town team. I got a good look at how James went about his business as a coach. I was very impressed.

James will run our attack . I have no doubt that he will put his flavour on our attack. He has already shown that his enthusiasm and work ethic to be successful in this role are where they need to be.

I am looking forward to working with James during this campaign ."

James Wilson is working Head Coach Dale MacLeod and Assistant Coach David Hall preparing the team for the first pre season game against Otago in Waikauaiti on July 23rd. 

Article added: Thursday 01 July 2021