Tana Umaga
Former All Black and rugby legend Tana Umaga is open to coaching the Singapore Super Rugby franchise if they win the bid to be one of the expansion teams in 2016.
The Counties Manukau coach has been involved with the Asian country for a few years now, he will coach the Asia Pacific Dragons in there in a game against the Maori All Blacks later this year.
Singapore is currently in a battle with Japan to be one of the teams included in Super Rugby when it increases to an 18-team competition in 2016.
Umaga would be a worthy candidate with his ability to lure players through his name and presence, as such he is already being touted as a front-runner to coach the team.
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The former All Black centre’s coaching prowess is steadily gaining traction and although he didn’t go for the head coach’s job at the Hurricanes, he has been linked to an assistant coach’s role at the Blues next season.
But nothing has been confirmed yet with Singapore an exciting, potential option.
“There are a few positions up for grabs at the moment and I’m interested in looking at all of the options,” Umaga said.
“If it does come to that, and I’m one of the ones that’s asked to apply, then I’ll look at it.”
“Until that happens, I can’t apply for something that’s a what if, the decision is still a few months away and you don’t know what’s going to happen.”
Umaga’s time with the Japanese team, the Steelers, has proved that he deserves a shot at coaching at a higher level after taking the franchise to new heights.
Umaga feels Singapore is a good place to base a Super Rugby team.
“They’re in the top two, so they’ve got as good a chance as Japan to get a team,” he said.
“I’m not too sure what will happen. I don’t make those decisions and we’ll have to see how it goes, but I’ve been associated with them for a few years.”
“In terms of the bid, I think Singapore would be good, I’ve been there a few times, it’s a nice place.”
“I was just there for the 10s, they’ve got a great stadium there.”