Dave Hewett will not be returning to Rugby Southland for the 2020 season. 

With his contact up at the end of 2019, Dave has decided he will not be reapplying.

Dave has been a key part of the Rugby Southland family, who since joining the union as Director Of Coaching in 2018, has overseen a huge shift within our Southland representative side, both in culture and performance. 

Rugby Southland General Manager Brian Hopley said Dave's announcement brought mixed emotions.

"Dave has been a great member of our team,.. we will miss him, but are happy that he is making the decion based off what's best for him" 

Hewett will return to Christchurch to be with his family.  

"It is nothing to do with anything down here. It is more to do with the fact I have been away from my family for two Mitre 10 Cup seasons and they deserve some attention.

"I just want to spend some time with them. My three boys are all growing up ... and also I have a business in Christchurch, so that's my plan.

"I still want to coach and I still want to be involved in coaching. But for the next year it will be at a lower volume rather than a full-on commitment ..."

With two games left against Auckland and Bay Of Plenty, the focus is still entirely on ending the season strong. 

Hewett said despite the lean run of results with Southland, he has enjoyed his stint in the south. 

Rugby Southland wishes Dave all the best for the future and thank him for his work over the past two seasons. 

Article added: Friday 04 October 2019