Giddens takes on head coach role at Clive
Former Hawke's Bay Magpies rugby midfielder Sam Giddens has helped win every piece of premier club silverware available in the Bay.
During the 2016 and '17 seasons with Napier Old Boys Marist he tasted Maddison Trophy, Nash Cup and Challenge Shield glory. The club also won the Black and White Shield for the top club overall.
Now 36 and finished with playing, Giddens, hopes to experience similar success as a coach. Giddens, who played 33 first class games for the Magpies from 2007-'09 and five for Otago in 2011, has been appointed head coach of the Clive Rugby and Sports premiers for next season.
He will have former Magpies hooker Jorian Tangaere as his assistant coach and Dean Hales as his manager. Giddens had an assistant coaching role at the Clive club this season.
"I've always dreamed of becoming a professional coach and I'm hoping a three-season stint with Clive will be a stepping stone towards that," Giddens, who is also a former Havelock North and Napier Technical club player, said.
A former player and coach in England and Italy, Giddens, is also hoping to implement a premier sevens programme at Clive for the first time in several years.
Having captained and played more than 100 games for the Clive premiers, Tangaere, has a superb understanding of the rugby culture at Clive. In addition for his 20 games for the Magpies Tangaere has also represented East Coast at first class level.
Hales has been head manager for the past four seasons including 2018 when Clive won the Maddison Trophy.
"I like to do the mahi which brings the treats," Hales said.
Clive head coach for the past four seasons, Vaine Maui is having a well deserved break. The Clive club is the second to announce their premier coach for next year after former Magpie Ellery Wilson was appointed head coach at Napier Old Boys Marist last week.
