Cooper extends NZRU contract

Hurricanes coach Colin Cooper has extended his contract with the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) until 2010.

Hurricanes coach Colin Cooper has extended his contract with the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) until 2010.

Cooper, 49, is highly rated in New Zealand, having guided the 'Canes to the 2006 Super 14 Final, as well as semi-final appearances in 2003, 2005 and 2008. Further to that he was Assistant Coach at the Crusaders when they won the same tournament in 2002.

At a national level, he was co-coach of the Junior All Blacks on the team's unbeaten tour of Australia in 2005 and IRB Pacific Nations Cup success in 2006 and 2007.

With so many players, and a few coaches, opting to look overseas Cooper is excited at this chance to remain in New Zealand and embrace the challenge.

“The NZRU and the Hurricanes board have conducted a complete review of our 2008 campaign and as a result of that I've been asked to continue as Head Coach,” Cooper said.

“I'm delighted to have this opportunity and help to continue guiding the Hurricanes. Back in 2003, the goal was to build a competitive team and then build depth, which we achieved. We took another major step forward in 2008 when we selected a squad made up entirely of players from within the region, and now I believe the franchise is in a great position to achieve our ultimate goal.”

NZRU General Manager of Professional Rugby Neil Sorensen said Cooper was one of the country's leading coaches and welcomed the news.

“Colin is highly regarded in New Zealand and international rugby and we are delighted that he will continue to coach in New Zealand for a further two years,” Sorensen said.