Bandon rugby opts for the Human touch

HE has big boots to fill but Andre Human is already busy familiarising himself with the local rugby scene after starting work as Bandon Rugby Club’s new Director of Rugby.

The South African, who touched down in Bandon at the end of July, takes over the post from the popular Regis Sonnes who held the position for two successful years before returning to France in the summer to take up a head coaching role with Toulouse in the Top 14.

Again, Bandon RFC and Bandon Grammar School have joined forces to appoint a new Director of Rugby and their search led them to Andre Human.

He is also the new head coach of the Bandon junior rugby team that won the Munster Junior League Division 1 title last season.

‘Andre has a wealth of experience in coaching at various levels. Having spoken with him at length he is looking forward to working with all players and groups within the club,’ explained new club president Dan Murphy.

Human has a very impressive rugby CV. During his 15 years as a professional coach, he coached schools, premier club rugby in his native South Africa and Ireland, as well as in the Currie Cup and he had involvement too with Super 15 Rugby.

He also has a very strong understanding of and background in schools’ rugby which Bandon Grammar will hope to capatilise on.

A Bandon RFC statement added: ‘A highly experienced coach André has specialised in helping club and school sides develop and achieve to higher standards in addition to his work with youth elite player development (academy system) and picked up trophies along the way.’

As a player, he enjoyed spells in both France and Italy, and then he returned home to South Africa where he played with Western Province (Stormers) and captained Border Bulldogs.

Human also has coaching experience here in Ireland, first visiting on tour as a player in 1994, and then he returned as head coach of Old Crescent RFC where he was named Coach of the Year in 2000 and led the club to win the Munster Senior League in 2001. He also coached Corinthains RFC in Galway.

‘Andre has a strong affinity for Ireland and our approach to rugby,’ Bandon RFC said.

In other club news, Kerry Desmond will captain Bandon’s juniors this season, while new club president Dan Murphy has paid tribute to the man he has succeeded.

‘I would like to congratulate President Ricky O’Sullivan on a tremendously successful term as our club president. In all my 35 years involved with the club I cannot remember anyone who threw themselves so wholeheartedly body and soul into the job. Yes, of course, every President does a tremendous job, but I think you will all agree there was something unique about Ricky. His presidency reminded me somewhat of Ricky on the rugby pitch – full of energy and he could turn up anywhere!’ Murphy said.