Christiaan Esterhuizen named coach of Pacific Pride and Canada under-20 rugby team

Christiaan Esterhuizen has been appointed head coach of both the Canadian under-20 rugby team and the Pacific Prideacademy.

Esterhuizen will work alongside Phil Mack, who was recently appointed attack coach of the Canadian men’s team but will remain as technical lead for the Pride, Rugby Canada’s developmental side.

“With Christiaan working alongside forwards coach Hubert Buydens, and with the leadership of Phil Mack, we have a strong technical balance that will drive the players to higher levels of understanding and competence,” Stephen Aboud, Rugby Canada’s high-performance director, said in a statement. “We’re delighted to have Christiaan join our team in laying down the foundations for future success.”

Esterhuizen has held the positions of head coach and director of rugby positions at Grey College in Bloemfontein, South Africa, famous for its rugby program, and the University of Cape Town. Since relocating to Vancouver, he has coached with the Canada West Selects, B.C. Bears, Meraloma Rugby Club and Vancouver Wave.

He also recently served as a coaching consultant to UBC’s men’s rugby program.

“Christiaan has a wealth of experience developing successful programs and players throughout his coaching career, and the work that he has done domestically speaks for itself,” said Mack. “There is no doubt that Christiaan will bring a lot of energy and passion to the program.”

The Pacific Pride are in the midst of their B.C. Men’s Premier League season, which continues Saturday against Burnaby Lake Rugby Club.

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This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 8, 2024.