Rugby Southland general manager moves to oversee development of Samoan rugby

Rugby Southland General Manager Brian Hopley has resigned his role to take up a position as the Samoan Rugby Union General Manager of Rugby.

In his new role Hopley will oversee all rugby from the grassroots development up to the elite national teams in Samoa.

This will include the 2015 Rugby World Cup and Samoa's bid for selection to play in the 2016 Olympic Games Rugby 7's Competition. Hopley will have particular responsibility for the development programmes for both men and women.

Commenting on his appointment, Hopley stated "I am very excited about this opportunity and am very keen to work closely with the staff and players of Samoa Rugby Union to assist them to reach their full potential.

"While I am looking forward to this next phase in my career, the decision to move was not an easy one as I enjoyed my position with Rugby Southland and have worked alongside, and met some great people, and would like to acknowledge the support and backing of the people associated with rugby in Southland."

Rugby Southland Chairman Paul Menzies told the Southland Times “Rugby Southland is extremely sorry to lose the services of Brian.”

Hopley started with Rugby Southland in 2011 and was a key figure in turning the organisation finances after in 2010 a bailout package from community funders and the NZRU was required to keep Rugby Southland afloat.

The Outdoor Stadium Trust which owned Invercargill’s Rugby Park was also in financial turmoil.

Set to depart Invercargill in August, Rugby Southland is now in a much improved positioned.

In addition, after lengthy negotiations a new partnership, where the Invercargill City Council takes over the ownership of Rugby Park, is also close to being finalised.

Prior to joining Rugby Southland, Hopley was High Performance Manager for Netball Queensland having previously worked in coaching and conditioning roles with the Australian Institute of Sport, Queensland Academy of Sport, Tongan Rugby Football Union, NSW Rugby Union and the Wallabies.

18th May 2015 - NEW MANAGEMENT OF INVERCARGILL’S RUGBY PARK TO DELIVER NEW OPPORTUNITIES

10th July 2012 - SOUTHLAND OUTDOOR STADIUM TRUST STRUGGLING FOR FUNDS