Latest news with #BenGardiner
News.com.au
17-07-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
‘I want to be a part of that journey': Ryan Hinchcliffe locked in as assistant coach in huge coup for Samoa ahead of World Cup
They were rivals in last year's grand final, but Ryan Hinchcliffe will join Ben Gardiner's coaching staff as Samoa continues to strengthen its program ahead of next year's Rugby League World Cup. It's the latest step in Hinchcliffe's development that started in 2019 when the workhorse returned to the Storm after a stint in the Super League to become the club's development coach. He's risen up the ranks and is now an assistant coach at the Storm, with his defensive expertise to be a huge asset for Gardiner at this year's Pacific Championships. The pair have never properly met, but approaches were made earlier this year when the Storm played the Dolphins, with general manager of football Frank Ponissi helping to broker the deal once he realised Hinchcliffe was interested. 'I spoke to Ben a couple of times and thought it was a good opportunity for me personally and professionally to develop as a coach and to work with some elite players and see where it ends up,' Hinchcliffe told the NewsWire. Hinchcliffe spent seven seasons in Melbourne as a player and quickly became one of Craig Bellamy's favourites given his willingness to work hard and do anything for the team. Coaching wasn't always on his radar, but his growth at the club sparked a passion for it that now means he will work on the international stage and will likely be in the mix eventually for a head coaching role in the NRL. 'I was always interested in the tactical side of it and the game planning side of it but also the mental side of footy,' Hinchcliffe explained. 'I certainly wasn't the best player, but when I came to Melbourne, the coaching that I got from the Storm and Craig and all the assistants did a lot for me. 'As I got a bit older, I thought it would be amazing to help other kids grow and develop and chase their dreams. I want to be a part of that journey. 'I think the experience I had set me up for that.' Hinchcliffe will predominantly work with Samoa's middle forwards and will focus on their defence, which struggled against England last year and in the 2023 internationals against Australia and New Zealand. His transition onto the international stage has been made easier with Samoan stars Stefano Utoikamanu, Shawn Blore and Sua Fa'alogo all playing for the Storm and encouraging him throughout the process to take the job. He'll also get to work with one of the strongest forward packs ever assembled, with Samoa hoping to add representative superstars Payne Haas and Tino Fa'asuamaleaui to the pack this year. 'You go through the players in their squad, and it shapes as an unbelievable competition at the end of the year with the Pacific Championships,' Hinchcliffe said. 'I'm really excited to work with some of the most elite players in the game. 'I'm sure they'll teach me a lot more than what I can teach them, but that's part of the journey and that's what I'm really excited about.' The move is another sign of Samoa's commitment to become one of the best teams in the world, with Gardiner and Hinchcliffe both products of highly successful NRL systems who know how to win big games. 'Ryan brings a wealth of experience from both his playing days and his coaching career,' Gardiner said. 'His commitment, knowledge and passion for rugby league make him a perfect fit for what we're building with Toa Samoa.'
News.com.au
18-06-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
‘Important milestone': Panthers assistant Ben Gardiner signs long-term deal to join Mal Meninga's coaching staff at Bears
Inaugural Perth Bears coach Mal Meninga has locked in a key piece of his staff with Panthers assistant Ben Gardiner set to join the expansion side on a five-year deal that could mean he eventually takes over the team. Gardiner is regarded as one of the best coaches in the game having played an important role as an assistant at the Panthers for their 2023 and 2024 premierships, while he's also in charge of the Samoan side. He will be a huge asset for Meninga in the club's formative years, with Gardiner holding a special connection with the Bears having coached North Sydney for three seasons in the NSW Cup. 'I can't wait to work closely with new people in Western Australia and build a hugely successful team over the next five years as we promote rugby league and grow the game,' he said. 'I have had a close relationship with the North Sydney Bears for a number of years where I was able to coach the NSW Cup team and work in coaching and recruitment as well as with the women's team. 'These experiences allowed me to understand what makes that great club tick. 'These foundations need to be synergised into the Perth Bears to grow a collaboration of new and old. 'I have been able to experience success in winning systems across a number of elite clubs in the NRL and look forward to sharing that knowledge.' While nothing has been suggested as of yet, the Bears could follow the Dolphins who had Wayne Bennett in charge for the first couple of years before Kristian Woolf took over. It's something Perth could look to do with Gardiner, who can learn off Meninga before eventually replacing him when the Immortal's contract expires in 2028. 'He has worked with some great clubs and teams, at premiership and representative level, and he also has Bears DNA to add to his prolific experience,' Meninga said. 'I look forward to Ben helping us to build a club and culture which will set the Bears' future on the right path.' Gardiner will join the Bears at the end of the 2025 season and will remain Samoa coach as they prepare for next year's World Cup. 'We're extremely excited to have Ben join the team,' Perth Bears chief executive Anthony De Ceglie said. 'He's a winner who's renowned for his football knowledge and hard work ethic. 'This is another important milestone as we ensure the Perth Bears lay the right foundations for future success.'
Fashion United
18-06-2025
- Business
- Fashion United
Authentic to reintroduce Sperry in the UK and Ireland
American brand development and licensing platform Authentic Brands Group (Authentic) is partnering with Gardiner Bros, Gloucestershire-based family-run distributor of global footwear and apparel brands, to reintroduce Sperry in the UK and Ireland. In a statement, Authentic said it has appointed Gardiner Bros as the official distributor for the boat shoe heritage brand across the UK and Ireland for men's and women's footwear. Henry Stupp, president, lifestyle and entertainment at EMEIA at Authentic, said: 'We're proud to partner with Gardiners to introduce more consumers to Sperry's storied heritage. 'With their deep expertise in distribution and strong retail relationships, Gardiner is the ideal partner to accelerate Sperry's growth in these key markets, bringing signature styles, like the iconic original boat shoe, to a new generation of consumers.' Sperry footwear campaign Credits: Authentic Authentic acquired the Sperry brand in January 2024 from Wolverine World Wide. It adds that the Sperry brand has long been recognised for its 'rich heritage and timeless appeal' in the region and believes that it is a great time to reintroduce the brand, especially where it 'holds strong awareness and affinity,' to support Sperry's ongoing global expansion. Ben Gardiner, chief product officer at Gardiner Bros, added: 'We're excited to partner with Authentic on Sperry, the original and iconic boat shoe brand. Boat shoes are having a real resurgence, and we look forward to reintroducing timeless silhouettes alongside fresh new styles to customers in the UK and Ireland.' Sperry's footwear collections, including its boat shoes and new seasonal styles, will be available at select retailers and online at This is the latest footwear deal from Authentic in the UK and Ireland market. Last month it inked a partnership with Chapters Brand Group to distribute its Rockport brand in men's and women's footwear.
Fashion Network
17-06-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Authentic taps Gardiner Bros to relaunch Sperry in the UK and Ireland
Authentic Brands Group announced on Tuesday a new strategic partnership with Gardiner Bros, one of the UK's top footwear and apparel distributors, to expand the reach of Sperry in the UK and Ireland. Under the agreement, Gardiner Bros will serve as the official distributor of Sperry footwear for both men and women across the region. The move aims to reintroduce the iconic American boat shoe brand to British and Irish consumers. 'We're proud to partner with Gardiners to introduce more consumers to Sperry's storied heritage,' said Henry Stupp president, lifestyle & entertainment, EMEIA at Authentic. 'With their deep expertise in distribution and strong retail relationships, Gardiner is the ideal partner to accelerate Sperry's growth in these key markets, bringing signature styles, like the iconic original boat shoe, to a new generation of consumers.' Sperry has long been recognized in the UK and Ireland as a brand with rich heritage and timeless appeal. As part of the partnership, Sperry's footwear collections, including its iconic boat shoes and new seasonal assortments, will be available at select retailers and online. 'We're excited to partner with Authentic on Sperry, the original and iconic boat shoe brand,' said Ben Gardiner, chief product officer at Gardiner Bros. 'Boat shoes are having a real resurgence, and we look forward to reintroducing timeless silhouettes alongside fresh new styles to customers in the UK and Ireland.' Emma Jefferies, head of brand marketing at Gardiner Bros, added: 'With its rich history and growing cultural relevance, Sperry is a strong addition to our portfolio, and we're excited to build on its success in these markets.'
Fashion Network
17-06-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Authentic taps Gardiner Bros to relaunch Sperry in the UK and Ireland
Authentic Brands Group announced on Tuesday a new strategic partnership with Gardiner Bros, one of the UK's top footwear and apparel distributors, to expand the reach of Sperry in the UK and Ireland. Under the agreement, Gardiner Bros will serve as the official distributor of Sperry footwear for both men and women across the region. The move aims to reintroduce the iconic American boat shoe brand to British and Irish consumers. 'We're proud to partner with Gardiners to introduce more consumers to Sperry's storied heritage,' said Henry Stupp president, lifestyle & entertainment, EMEIA at Authentic. 'With their deep expertise in distribution and strong retail relationships, Gardiner is the ideal partner to accelerate Sperry's growth in these key markets, bringing signature styles, like the iconic original boat shoe, to a new generation of consumers.' Sperry has long been recognized in the UK and Ireland as a brand with rich heritage and timeless appeal. As part of the partnership, Sperry's footwear collections, including its iconic boat shoes and new seasonal assortments, will be available at select retailers and online. 'We're excited to partner with Authentic on Sperry, the original and iconic boat shoe brand,' said Ben Gardiner, chief product officer at Gardiner Bros. 'Boat shoes are having a real resurgence, and we look forward to reintroducing timeless silhouettes alongside fresh new styles to customers in the UK and Ireland.' Emma Jefferies, head of brand marketing at Gardiner Bros, added: 'With its rich history and growing cultural relevance, Sperry is a strong addition to our portfolio, and we're excited to build on its success in these markets.'
