Latest news with #Pakuranga
Wales Online
6 days ago
- Sport
- Wales Online
Former Wales coach starts new job and Erasmus' laptop secrets stunned Eddie Jones
Former Wales coach starts new job and Erasmus' laptop secrets stunned Eddie Jones The latest rugby news headlines from Wales and beyond. Wayne Pivac will start his new role in 2026. (Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency Ltd) Your rugby evening headlines on Tuesday, August 12. Wayne Pivac in new role Former Wales head coach Wayne Pivac is throwing himself into a new role with Pakuranga Rugby Club in New Zealand. Pivac, formerly at the helm with Scarlets, was recently announced as director of rugby (DOR) for Pakuranga in Auckland. He first held the role 15 years ago before his career progressed to a higher level. The 62-year-old replaces Grant 'Boof' Henson as the DOR, who saw out the end of the 2025 season. 'Boof' held the position for four years, and contributed into the introduction of a women's team, a National Club Cup title for the Under 85kg Panthers and several players earning higher honours. Pivac said: "I am absolutely thrilled to be joining forces once again with the team at Pakuranga Rugby. I'm very much looking forward to the new role, where I will be able to help players coaches and administrators within the club and supporting schools." Pakuranga Rugby General Manager Mike Anderson added: "It is humbling as general manager and a long-time club member, to have someone of Wayne's experience and skills set, make a commitment to the Pakuranga United Rugby Club. Article continues below "He has expressed a genuine desire to engage with players from school level and show player pathways, mentor coaches, like he has been mentored over his coaching journey. I am looking forward to work with Wayne." After he left Wales in 2022 following a difficult run of results, Pivac coached in Japan with NEC Green Rockets, where he was reunited with the likes of Rhys Patchell and Jake Ball during his time there. He left his role after the team fell short of promotion back to League One. His new side Pakuranga compete in Auckland's Premier Division One league. The new season starts in 2026, where Pivac will try to help the side improve on their fifth place finish in this year's competition, which concluded just a few weeks ago. Eddie Jones reveals secrets of Rassie Erasmus Japan head coach Eddie Jones has revealed what he learned from South Africa head coach Rassie Erasmus after he inherited his laptop in 2007. South Africa will begin their Rugby Championship campaign against Australia at Ellis Park on Saturday, August 16, and Erasmus' team will be defending their 2024 crown. Prior to last year, South Africa had not won the competition since 2019, the year they won the World Cup. However, now they have the challenge of keeping the trophy out of the clutches of New Zealand, who won it every year in between. While Erasmus is recognised as a charismatic rugby man who isn't afraid of speaking his mind, former England boss Jones has revealed just how much work Erasmus puts in to his rugby coaching. Writing in his Planet Rugby column, Jones said: "In 2007, I took over from Rassie at the Springboks as technical advisor – he moved to the Stormers at that time as head coach, leaving the technical role vacant. "I inherited his laptop from the Bok management, and I couldn't believe my eyes at the detail and the depth of the work I found on it. Every player, every team and every scenario had deep playbooks and strategy around them; there was hardly a hole in his work, all underpinned by logic, proof and, really importantly, all placed within the context of the way the Boks played. "It was a treasure trove of rugby data and analysis that really had a huge impact on me and it made me realise the deep technical understanding that Rassie has underneath his charismatic media persona." Cardiff appoint new coach Cardiff Rugby have appointed Saul Nelson as academy forwards coach. Nelson will join the capital city region on secondment from RGC and will join the set-up as a front-five expert. As a player, Nelson represented Cardiff, Bristol, Exeter and London Welsh. He has spent 15 years coaching young talent, holding roles at Filton College, Cross Keys, the Welsh Rugby Union, as well as RGC. "Having grown up in Cardiff, I have so many fond memories of playing for Cardiff Schools and Cardiff Youth," began Nelson. "To coach within the Academy Pathway at Cardiff Rugby is a huge honour for me. "We have a lot of talented front five players throughout our region. These young men share the same dreams I once had of playing for Cardiff and Wales, I am very excited about working closely with them and their families to achieve this. "I'd like to thank RGC, Cardiff Rugby and the WRU for the fantastic support they have shown me and my family." Welsh Rugby Union Player Development and Pathway Lead John Alder also said: "We're delighted at Saul's appointment to Cardiff Rugby Regional Academy. "Saul is a passionate and committed coach with a diverse career in rugby in education, Academy, and international age grade settings coupled with a strong connection to the Cardiff area. "He will bring invaluable coaching expertise particularly in the area of scrum, throwing, and set piece to aspiring professional players in the Cardiff region. We look forward to following the impact he will have." Red Bull complete Newcastle Falcons takeover By Ed Elliot, PA Energy drinks company Red Bull has completed its takeover of Newcastle Falcons. The Gallagher PREM club, who will continue to play at Kingston Park and retain Steve Diamond as director of rugby, will now be known as Newcastle Red Bulls. Red Bull has aspirations for the team to compete for trophies in England and Europe in the coming years. The Austria-based company already has significant business interests in football, motor racing and winter sports. Newcastle finished bottom of the Premiership table in each of the last three seasons. The new ownership has pledged to develop local rugby talent through a 'strengthened academy program' and deliver 'a world-class fan experience'. Article continues below Oliver Mintzlaff, Red Bull CEO of corporate projects and investments, said: 'Together, we aim to elevate rugby to new heights and deliver unforgettable moments for our fans. 'We're delighted to have acquired Newcastle Red Bulls and look forward to empowering the club to reach its full competitive potential.' Newcastle begin the new season on Friday, September 26 at home to Saracens.
RNZ News
26-06-2025
- RNZ News
Public safety concerns grow after Pakuranga Night Market stabbing
Visitors line up at a food stall at a night market in Auckland. Photo: Supplied / Auckland Night Markets Ethnic communities have expressed concern about safety at public gatherings in Auckland after two people were stabbed at Pakuranga Night Market last weekend. Looking ahead to the reopening of the market on Saturday, some vendors and visitors called for increased security measures to be introduced to allay concerns, something the event organiser pledged to rectify. Others, however, played down the unease, describing the assault as an "isolated incident". Police were called to Aylesbury Street in Pakuranga about 6.45pm on 21 June after reports of an assault . A 23-year-old man turned himself in at the Manukau Police Station on Sunday before appearing in Manukau District Court the next day. Granted interim name suppression, the accused was charged with injuring two victims . Kenny Goto, owner of Karaage House Suruga, said his food stall was about 20 meters from where the stabbing occurred. Goto called the incident deeply upsetting. "I'm quite new to the night market - only about a month," he said. "I've never seen anything like this." Visitors wait for food to be prepared at a night market in Auckland. Photo: Supplied / Auckland Night Markets Goto planned to continue operating his stall at four night markets in Auckland, noting that he did not own a restaurant or storefront. However, he called for stronger security measures to be introduced at night markets in Auckland. "I do have a little bit of concern," he said. "I keep trying to avoid any trouble." Goto hoped the incident would not have a negative impact on Pakuranga Night Market. "I've been in New Zealand since 2013," he said. "I feel Auckland is less safe since then. However, I still love the diversity of many immigrants here and love how the night markets allow us to experience food and culture from all over the world. "I truly hope the night markets will continue to thrive as a vibrant and inclusive space." Frank Yang, a Pakuranga Heights resident and regular visitor to night markets in Pakuranga and Papatoetoe, said he felt unsettled when he learned of the assault last weekend. "It shocked me," he said. "It's the first time I've heard of an incident like this happening at a night market. I'm a little worried and uneasy." Yang said the incident reflected broader safety concerns shared by many Aucklanders. "Rather than just worrying about security at the night market, I'm more concerned about the safety of the whole society and community in Auckland," he said. A woman waits for food to be prepared at a night market in Auckland. Photo: Supplied / Auckland Night Markets Mia Jiang, an East Auckland resident, was shopping at Pakuranga Night Market when the assault occurred. She was not overly concerned by the incident, noting that the scene was less dramatic than it appeared to be in a video that had been circulating on social media. "It wasn't as scary as people made it seem online," she said. "I personally think it was just an isolated incident." Jiang said the incident hadn't deterred her from visiting night markets in future. Several other vendors did not expect to see similar incidents occur at night markets in future. Barney Wikitera-Kuri, a community youth worker and regular visitor to the city's night markets, said incidents such as this could happen at any market, event or public gathering. While Wikitera-Kuri supported increased security measures, he highlighted a need for deeper community education - particularly among young people - on the consequences of carrying weapons. The West Auckland resident believed more people needed to understand how to de-escalate tension when tempers flared. "I don't think it's necessarily the night markets," he said. "I think people need to be taught how to manage anger, how to handle altercations and how to treat each other with respect. "You can have more security as a ... deterrent," he said. "I agree it can help, but it's obviously a temporary measure. "My long-term solution would be [to address] how we can address this within our own communities so that hate, violence and escalation doesn't happen - at night markets or anywhere else." Visitors wait for food to be prepared at a night market in Auckland. Photo: Supplied / Auckland Night Markets Victoria Yao, founder of the night markets in Auckland, said the markets had been operating for around 15 years. The markets currently run daily at different locations across the city, offering a diverse mix of food, goods and live entertainment. She said the assault in Pakuranga was deeply regrettable. "That was truly something that could have been avoided," Yao said. "We want to just let everybody know, no matter the situation, avoiding conflict ... is always the wisest choice. "Looking back, it's really heartbreaking," she said. "This kind of incident should never have happened." Yao said additional security measures would be introduced to ensure the safety of vendors and visitors. "We already have three security [guards] on site," she said. "We'll add two more." She said Pakuranga Night Market would reopen as usual this Saturday, expressing confidence the incident would not have an ongoing impact on business. "The night market remains a safe vibrant space" she said. "Everyone still can come, enjoy your food, have fun and make the most of the evening." RNZ has asked police whether any additional patrols were being considered to ensure public safety at Pakuranga Night Market. Police said they were seeking additional footage as part of the investigation into the incident. "We are aware a number of people filmed the violent assault taking place on Saturday evening," said Detective Senior Sergeant Dean Batey, investigations manager of Counties Manukau East Area. "While we are not seeking anyone else in connection with the incident, this footage will be beneficial as part of the prosecution phase." Victims of the assault underwent surgery on Monday, with both remaining in a stable condition in Middlemore Hospital. The 23-year-old man charged in connection with the incident has been remanded in custody and is expected to appear in court next month.
RNZ News
23-06-2025
- RNZ News
Man appears in court over Pakuranga Night Markets stabbing
Manukau District Court. Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly The man accused of stabbing two people at an Auckland night market at the weekend has appeared in Manukau District Court. Police were called to the scene on Aylesbury Street in Pakuranga about 6.45pm after reports of an assault on Saturday night. The 23-year-old has been charged with injuring the two victims after handing himself in at the Manukau Police Station on Sunday. Both of the victims had been through surgery and were in a stable condition in hospital. The accused appeared before the court on Monday with one of his hands bandaged. He was granted interim name suppression, remanded in custody, and is expected to reaappear next month. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
21-06-2025
- RNZ News
Pakuranga Night Market assault alleged offender still at large
Two people were left in critical condition on Saturday evening after an incident at a night market in Pakuranga. Photo: RNZ / REECE BAKER Police on Sunday are still searching for a person who is believed to have critically injured two people in an assault at an Auckland night market on Saturday evening. Emergency services were called to Aylesbury Street and Reeves Road near the Night Market in Pakuranga at about 6.45pm. Hato Hone St John said three ambulances, three rapid response vehicles, and one operations manager responded to the scene. Ambulance officers treated and then transported two patients in critical condition to Middlemore Hospital. Police said on Sunday they had not yet made arrests, but previously said the attack appeared to be an isolated incident. Inspector Danny Meade said officers were following lines of enquiry to find the alleged offender. The Auckland Night Market posted on its social media page last night, alerting patrons to what happened and saying the Pakuranga market was closed for the evening. "We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience and thank you for your understanding," it said. "This is an isolated incident, and all other markets will continue as planned." A later post claimed the fight started after those involved made eye contact while browsing hats. "Looking back, it was truly something that should never have happened," the post said. "No matter the situation, it's always best to avoid conflict and not escalate things." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
21-06-2025
- RNZ News
Two people critically injured near Auckland night market
Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver Two people have been critically injured near a popular night market in Auckland. Inspector Danny Meade said the police were called to Aylesbury Street after reports of an assault near the Auckland Night Markets in Pakuranga at around 6.45pm. Cordons are in place around Aylesbury Street and Reeves Road, and members of the public are advised to avoid the area. Meade said the police were following lines of enquiry to locate the alleged offender. He said the initial enquiries suggested it was an isolated incident and there was not believed to be any further risk to the public. He added there will be a visible police presence in the area throughout Saturday evening as enquiries continued. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
