Brad Harris, Head Coach of the NRC’s Canberra Vikings is returning to the Gold Coast and taking on the role of Head Coach for Bond University Rugby Colts program this coming season.
Brad, who grew up on the Gold Coast and played for the Breakers and Surfers Paradise for several years in the early 2000’s, is keenly anticipating his return to his old stomping ground, immediately following his tour to New Zealand as Coach of the Australian Barbarians team in early November.
In addition to playing club rugby here on the Gold Coast, Brad spent several years in playing and coaching roles in the UK, both in Gloucester and as player/coach for Navan in Ireland.
On his return home to Australia in 2010, Brad scored a prestigious full-time coaching and management role with ACT heavyweights, Tuggeranong Vikings. During his time with the Vikings he was awarded Rugby Union Coach of theYear for the ACT & Southern NSW before being named coaching director of the club in 2013.
Brad is looking forward to joining his family on the Gold Coast and renewing old rugby friendships, including those from his days as a member of the Breakers, prior to the club’s merger to become Bond University Rugby.
“Given my history with the club, for me this coaching role feels like coming home,” Brad said.
“As a past player, I have always followed their results and was very pleased to hear not just of Bond Rugby’s success on the field, but of the club’s recent restructures and high-level coaching and management appointments.”
“Bond’s elite sports program is really on the way up and the fact they have made significant investment in their rugby program appealed to me.”
“With so many excellent feeder schools and clubs in the region, the Gold Coast has a well-earned reputation as a breeding ground for young rugby talent.
“I look forward to working with Bond Rugby’s elite and up-and-coming young players in the Under 19’s Colts program to strengthen them both physically and mentally, and to help create pathways for their transition from high school to professional level rugby.”
Bond University Rugby Director of Rugby and Head Coach, Sean Hedger said Brad’s appointment was a massive coup for the club.
“Brad has more experience coaching high level rugby teams than any other Colts coach in Queensland. This is an incredible opportunity for our Under 19’s to learn and grow under his guidance,” Sean said.
“Our young Colts come from a broad range of different backgrounds. Moulding them into a cohesive unit will be a big challenge for Brad, but one I know he has the skills and experience to conquer.”
Dale Salmon, GM of Bond University Rugby said he was very pleased to add yet another highly credentialed coach to Bond Rugby’s ranks.
“We see the Colts as an important part of our program, highlighted by the appointment of such a high-calibre, professional level coach,” Dale said.
“With coaches like Brad Harris and Sean Hedger, resources like the Bond Institute of Health and Sport and the High Performance Training Centre and access to some of the region’s finest facilities, we offer young players whether they are students or non-students the best all-round environment on the Gold Coast.
For more information on Bond University Rugby and pre-season trials and training, go to www.bondrugby.com.au or email [email protected]