Otago looking for new coaches

Lack of success for Otago this year has resulted in a decision to advertise the positions of coach and assistant coach for next year's Air New Zealand Cup.

Lack of success for Otago this year has resulted in a decision to advertise the positions of coach and assistant coach for next year's Air New Zealand Cup.

The Otago Rugby Union have continued their post-mortem into another disappointing provincial season by calling for applications.

Incumbents Steve Martin and Bruce Carvell, who are nearing the end of their contracts, have the opportunity to reapply for the respective positions.

Otago Rugby Union chief executive Richard Reid admitted the board's decision to advertise the positions was influenced by Otago's failure to make the play-offs of the Air New Zealand Cup.

They finished tenth, with a four-win, five-loss record. They also drew 21-21 with Tasman.

The highlight of their season was a final round 36-21 defeat of Wellington – the finalists only loss of the season.

Martin has coached the top team since 2006 – the season after Otago were beaten by Auckland in the last NPC final.

Reid said the new coaching team, ideally selected within a month, would be appointed for the 2009 season.