Nick Ryan who commenced his role as Randwick Director of Rugby on October 1.

by Jim Davis –

The Randwick Rugby Club has appointed former Sydney University Colts I coach and colts coordinator Nick Ryan as its Director of Rugby.

First Grade coach Wade Kelly, who has introduced a high level of coaching professionalism to the club, was instrumental in identifying Nick’s qualities, leadership and management skills as a significant fit for Randwick.

Talks between the two have taken place over many months and a close relationship has developed.

Randwick First Grade coach Wade Kelly

Ryan has an impeccable record in establishing and growing high quality Rugby programs over his career.

He coached at Sydney University Rugby Club (SUFC) from 2002 to 2009 with a particular focus on the SUFC Colts. This quickly became the benchmark Colts Rugby program in Australia and undoubtedly was the genesis for the remarkable success of the SUFC over the past decade.

Ryan’s coaching record of Colts teams at Sydney University is remarkable with a 93 percent win rate from 2002 to 2009. During this time he also was given the opportunity to coach internationally as the backs and team attack coach for Fiji in the 2009 IRB Pacific Nations Cup, the Technical Director of Harvard University Rugby Club from 2004 to 2008 and Colts Director at Nass Rugby Club in Ireland from 2003 to 2005.

More recently Ryan was employed by the Melbourne Rebels from 2010 to 2013 as player recruitment officer together with various coaching roles within the franchise.

As Director of Rugby at Randwick, Ryan will be able to draw on his vast experience and Rugby networks to work with the RDRUFC Board and Wade Kelly to achieve long term sustainable success for Randwick Rugby during a period of significant change for Premiership Rugby in Australia.

Randwick Rugby Club President, Bob Dwyer

Ryan officially started on October 1 but in the lead-up has met with the UNSW Rugby Club, local schools and entered into discussions with potential new player talent. He has also completed a strategic plan which has been presented to and accepted by the Randwick Football Club Board.

Randwick Rugby Club has a very solid and close relationship with its Junior Clubs. Club stalwart, Jim Dubos has built a strong Juniors program at Randwick Rugby with the establishment of the Randwick Junior Academy. Nick Ryan will build on Jim’s work, providing a structured and innovative pathway for players from the Academy and local Schools to succeed in their aspirations to play for Randwick at the highest levels.

Bob Dwyer, Randwick Rugby President and Simon Poidevin (Director) have been very much involved in discussions and the appointment of Nick Ryan. Poidevin continues to maintain a very close club working relationship with the council. There are plans for improvement works at Coogee Oval which we could see in 2014.

Rugby News met with Nick Ryan whose final words were, “Many opportunities will be offered to Randwick players.

“Dedication and discipline by them will be paramount”.

Randwick flags displayed by council on streets around Coogee Oval during the rugby season