All Blacks wing talks up Ireland’s ‘special’ new attack coach

All Blacks and Toulon wing Leicester Fainga’anuku has hailed Ireland’s new attack coach, stating that Andrew Goodman played a key role in his development.

The 41-year-old was born and raised in New Zealand but spent two years at Leinster before becoming a coach.

He worked at Tasman and Crusaders before moving back to Dublin where he took up a position in Leo Cullen’s backroom team.

Replacing Mike Catt

Goodman will now join Ireland as their attack guru after the departure of Mike Catt at the end of the 2023/24 campaign.

And Fainga’anuku, who played a key role in the All Blacks’ run to the Rugby World Cup final, gave an insight into what he will offer the Irish national team.

Speaking about his own evolution as a player, the speedster hailed the role of Goodman.

“From the early stages of my career, I have been fortunate to have two special brothers, up in Tasman at the time,” Fainga’anuku told the Crusaders’ YouTube channel.

“The Goodman brothers, Chris Goodman, Andrew Goodman. I was real fortunate at a young age, they’re two massive icons of my life that I really looked up to, for them to put me under their wings was something special.

“So going up the ranks I had Andrew Goodman as something of a mentor on the field, helping with my skills, training-wise. Anything game-related.”

Fainga’anuku discussed the quality coaches he has worked with during his career so far and ranked Andrew Goodman alongside some talented individuals.

Bringing the best out of people

“I’ve had some awesome coaches here at the Crusaders. Man where do I even begin; Ronan O’Gara, obviously Andrew Goodman and now over the last few years with Tamati Ellison, Scott Hansen and Razor (Scott Robertson),” he said.

“They’re not your everyday coach, where they can come across as coaches or similar to coaches you’ve had before. But I think with these guys, they’re who they are and I think that’s what makes it so special, you really love that.

“It sort of makes you open up who you are as a person too. And that’s one thing about the Crusaders, everyone can be who they are and you know it’s not something we shy away from, it’s something we embrace.

“I think Razor’s right up there in my eyes, just the way he goes about his work. But most of all, the way he’s able to influence a player not only on field but off field, I guess just to bring the best out of themselves.

“And when you’re enjoying every day, it shows on the field and that’s something he nails and I’m truly grateful.”

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