Familiar face at rugby HQ

PETER JONES

He might be a new part of the Tasman rugby administrative setup, but his is certainly a familiar face.

Quentin MacDonald, a man synonymous with the game in this part of the world, recently started a new role with Tasman rugby. The 34-year-old has been employed in a fulltime role as game development manager, with responsibility primarily for the Marlborough sub-union.

A former Marlborough Boys’ College First XV standout, Quentin played professionally for the Crusaders, Blues and Chiefs in Super Rugby, representing NZ Maori before moving to Europe and posting a century of appearances for French club Oyonnax.

The durable hooker returned to the Tasman region in 2020, going on to become the most-capped Mako with 108 appearances.

He is contracted to Tasman again this season, and will turn out as player/coach of the defending Tasman Trophy champion Central Blues club side.

However, he will be balancing his time on the field with work behind the scenes, facilitating the development of the game across the region, especially at the lower levels.

“It will be a challenging role,” said Quentin, “but I am really looking forward to it.

“I will have responsibility for things such as rippa rugby tournaments, school visits, various coaching clinics … also, just be- ing a good port of call for anything rugby-related that happens around here. Putting a face into

Marlborough rugby again. It’s an exciting challenge.”

He is also tasked with taking a key role in the age grade [U14-U18] area across the Tasman region.

Quentin admits it will be a something of a balancing act, with personal training, club coaching, a fulltime Tasman role and life with a young family to juggle, but is confident he can make it work.

“[The role] was something I wanted to do when I had finished my rugby, it has just come a bit earlier than I expected,” he added.

Quentin will be based at the Lansdowne Hub, along with brand ambassador Graeme Taylor, plus Mako coaches Gray Cornelius and Hoani MacDonald.