Dual World Cup winning former Black Fern, Victoria Grant has been appointed as Head Coach of the Hurricanes Poua for the 2023 Sky Super Rugby Aupiki season.
Grant, who was an assistant in 2022 - becomes the first female Head Coach in the competition, succeeding the out-going Wesley Clarke who stepped down after 2022.
“I’m excited to be leading the Poua. Stepping up from assistant last year gives me a great insight into what's needed to progress us forward. Working with Wes in 2022 was fantastic. Learning off the best. He has left a great platform for us to launch off,” said Grant.
After taking up rugby in high school, the Whanganui-raised former Black Ferns sevens and 15s player picked up the game more seriously while studying for her physiotherapy degree at the University of Auckland.
World Cup wins in 2006 and 2010 as vice captain followed, as well as leading the side in 2011, before hanging up the boots to give back to the next generation of kiwi rugby stars.
A recipient of the Women’s Sport Leadership Academy scholarship - she spent time with the Black Ferns Sevens as head coach of the Development teams, as well as leading the NZ Condors to back-to-back world school's sevens titles, the Rotoiti men’s premier side and as the Skills Coach for the NZ U20 men’s side.
Hurricanes General Manager of Rugby, Tony Philp said: “Tors is a highly rated coach within the New Zealand system. She has spent time honing her craft, working with some of the country’s best coaches and programmes.”
“We’re delighted to have Tors return to the Hurricanes, this time as Head Coach, to lead the Poua for the 2023 season. The new format offers a real chance to make a mark on the competition and build from year one into year two driving our culture and values.”
The Hurricanes Poua will host the Chiefs Manawa, 2:05pm on Saturday 25 February at Levin Domain, Levin, followed by an away game vs Matatū, 4:35pm at Orangetheory Stadium, Christchurch before taking on the Blues, 4:35pm, Saturday 11 March at SKY Stadium, Wellington.
All four sides then head to Auckland for the Semi-finals on Sunday 19 March, then to Hamilton for the final weekend on Saturday 25 March.
All Sky Super Rugby Aupiki matches will be broadcasted live and exclusive on SKY.
Players will assemble for one preseason match in February before coming together four days a week through the competition window.
Clubs will announce their respective squads later in the year.