Lions appoint new coaches

Woy Woy Rugby Union Club has appointed John Stokie and Chris Schaumkel to coach first and second grade through the 2017 season.

The appointments follow the retirement of Paul Gooley and Carl von Kotze, who successfully guided Woy Woy first grade from 2013 until 2016.

The intention is to have first grade and reserve grade train as a squad throughout the year, according to club spokesperson Mr Peter Fenton.

"This idea has been readily accepted by both men and is in line with a system used widely in teams at first grade, representative and international competitions," Mr Fenton said.

"John Stokie had great success bringing several Woy Woy juniors of the recent past back to the in 2016, culminating in a second grade premiership victory.

"The announcement of his appointment will surely be appreciated by his young charges of 2016.

"Chris Schaumukel is not so well known, but has been a wonderful supporter of the Woy Woy club and Lions players personally in the past four years.

"Chris played four tests for Tonga as 5/8 in the 1990s as well as senior rugby in Ponsonby, one of the New Zealand's strongest district clubs."

Woy Woy Lions president Mr Brian Macauley said he was confident the system would prove most effective.

"We have had great success with our Polynesian contingent over the past few years and Carl von Kotze has been an enormous influence in this area," Mr Macauley said.

"With Chris Shaumkel's involvement, this situation should continue to flourish.

"John Stokie brought a number of fine young local players back to Rugby this season and I believe the blend of them with our Island boys as well as established senior stars like Nick Garnett, Kane Burns, Wade Hannell and Alex Moore should see the club even stronger.

"Craig Roberts has done a good job with the thirds and will again take the reins and their numbers should increase also.

"The committee has also been concerned with the loss of players once they reach their late teens so we've made a concerted attempt to correct this trend.

"Nick Nikora has had great success with the most successful of our junior teams, the 2016 Under-17s , and has indicated his willingness to guide this same group through their next stage, the Under-19s Colts competition.

"Most of the team has indicated they are keen to stay together so we are excited at the prospect."

Media release, 9 Nov 2016

Peter Fenton, Woy Woy Rugby Union