Long serving Magpies Strength and Conditioning coach, Grant Dearns will be leaving Hawke’s Bay to take up a position in Japanese rugby in April.  Dearns has been the Magpies Strength and Conditioning Coach since 2004.

“Grant will be moving to the NEC Green Rockets who are in the Japanese Top 14 Rugby competition.  Whilst we are very sad to see him go, we are delighted for him that he has secured an excellent opportunity to experience Japanese Rugby and we wish him and his family all the best for their future endeavours.” HBRU CEO, Mike Bishop stated today.

“Grant has been a fantastic servant of Hawke’s Bay Rugby during his twelve years with us.  He is thoroughly professional and is universally respected by all the players that have come under his charge over that period and by all the other provincial union coaches and players. 

It was through his efforts that we were able to set a standard of fitness for the Magpies squads over the years that have ensured they are amongst the fittest and best conditioned team throughout the Provincial Unions and the Super Rugby franchises.  This has of course then translated into success on the field of play throughout the years.

His attention to detail is second to none and he genuinely cares about the players he has worked with throughout the many years with HBRU.”

“Grant has been an absolute pleasure to work alongside.  As a person he is of the highest calibre and has been an integral part of the many successes we have all enjoyed with Hawke’s Bay Rugby throughout his time with us.  He is a popular member of our team and has a deep passion for the Hawke’s Bay region and the Magpies in particular.”  Bishop further stated.

The recruitment process to find a new Magpies Strength and Conditioning Coach will begin this week.