Published: Wednesday, 17th February, 2010 5:00pm

Harris to leave Navan

by Jimmy Geoghegan

Brad Harris.
Pic by==: 97

The search has started in earnest to find a replacement for Brad Harris who is to step down as Navan Rugby Club's first team coach at the end of the season.

Harris will be returning to his native Gold Coast area in Queensland, Australia along with his immediate family when the current All-Ireland League Div 3 campaign is over.

The genial Aussie is to leave Balreask Old along with his assistant New Zealander Ryan Roberts who is also moving to the Gold Coast region.

An electrician by trade Harris initially accepted an offer to take charge of Navan four years ago on a part-time basis. Over the past three years he has been employed with the club on a full-time arrangement.

He has combined his duties at Balreask Old with coaching in the local schools such as St Patrick's CS.

Roberts has also worked as a rugby development officer and his skills as an out-half and as a place-kicker were important factors in helping Navan achieve the success of recent years.

During his term at the helm Navan have enjoyed an unprecedented run of success winning the Provincial Towns' Cup twice, the AIB Cup, the Leinster League as well as promotion to the AIL Div 3 at the end of last season. His achievements earned Harris a number of Meath Chronicle/Cusack Hotels Sports Personalities of the Month awards.

Harris said that the desire to be near members of his family along with the Australian weather proved big attractions. "I've been here for four years and it is a long time to be away from the extended family such as aunties and uncles," he said. "I'm going to get a bit of sunshine as well."

Harris says he's enjoyed his time living in Ireland and says the highlight was guiding the club up to the senior ranks at the end of last season.

The Australian rugby season is in full swing at the moment however, Harris is looking to continue his coaching career Down Under in the near future. "It's been a great learning curve for me, doing the coaching full-time. You learn that you never stop learning as a coach," he added. "We tried to change the programme for the players each season to improve matters. We've had our disappointment but overall it's been a good experience."

Navan RFC vice president Gerry Williamson says that Harris and Roberts were huge additions to the club and that the process to find a replacement coach is already well underway. "Brad and Ryan will be with us until the end of the seasons. They have given us plenty of time to look for another coach," he said.

A committee has already been set up to find a new coach and with Navan now a senior club is it expected their will be considerable interest in the post.

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