Rowlands named new Black Ferns coach
November 29, 2002

Jed Rowlands has been appointed as the new coach of the Black Ferns.

Rowlands replaces Darryl Suasua, who stood down this year after six years coaching the world champion side.

Rowlands has been joined by Sue Garden-Bachop who has been appointed Assistant Coach.

Jed Rowlands coached Taranaki in 1997 and 1998 taking the team to the Air New Zealand NPC semifinals in his second year.

He then went on to coach the Blues in the 1999 Telecom Super 12, before returning to teaching at New Plymouth Boys' High School. Rowlands started his coaching career there as coach of the First XV. He is also a New Plymouth District councillor.

"I have a lot of admiration for the way Darryl has coached the team over the last six years and been impressed with the style of rugby the Black Ferns play. It's a good fit with the way I like to coach," Rowlands said.

Sue Garden-Bachop, who recently returned to New Zealand with husband Stephen, has had a long career both coaching and playing rugby.

She was coach of Leeds University 1st XV in 2000-2002 and took the Leeds Tykes Sevens team to the quarterfinals of the prestigious Middlesex Sevens in 2001. She also co-coached Wellington's Northern United senior side in 1998 and was a Black Ferns selector from 1996-1998.

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