• Wilson takes on NOBM's head coach role

Wilson takes on NOBM's head coach role

Former Hawke's Bay Magpies rugby halfback Ellery Wilson has been appointed head coach of the Napier Old Boys Marist premier side for next season.


"I've always loved coaching. Hopefully I can continue the high standards Craig set," Wilson said after his appointment was announced today.


He was referring to former head coach Craig Gowler who retired from the role after this season's Maddison Trophy competition. Gowler had seven seasons at the helm and guided the Green Machine to Maddison Trophy glory in 2015, '16, '17 and '19.


"I've been with the NOBM club since 2014 and it has always had a good club atmosphere. It is inclusive from the juniors right through to the premiers," Wilson explained.


The Hawke's Bay Rugby Union's community rugby manager and Global Academy manager, Wilson, played 29 first class games for the Magpies. He coached the Hawke's Bay Sevens team at the 2018 and '19 nationals but there will be no Sevens Nationals this season because of the Covid-19 pandemic.



Wilson, 30, has yet to decide whether he will coach the Hawke's Bay Sevens next year.


"I'll see how my coaching commitments are going next year before making a decision. As long as someone is available for the job I'll be happy," Wilson said.


He is coaching the Napier Old Boys Marist Sevens team again this season and their first assignment will be the club's annual tournament at Park Island on November 21. He pointed out this season's squad is a "little bit younger than previous seasons but speedy and skilful."


Wilson hopes to finalise his support staff for the premiers within the next week. Napier Old Boys Marist is the first club to announce their premier team's head coach for next year.