-
11 minutes ago
Former New Zealand rugby league head coach David Kidwell says the lure of silverware is what convinced him to join Michael Cheika’s backroom staff at Leicester Tigers.
Kidwell’s move into club rugby union for the first time sees him reunited with Cheika, having previously been assistant coach to the Australian when he was in charge of Argentina.
His deal with Tigers is a temporarily swap from his job as Japan assistant coach where he works under former England and Australia boss Eddie Jones.
The New Zealander’s arrival comes after Matt Everard was stood down as Leicester’s defence coach earlier this month.
Kidwell will work with Tigers until the conclusion of the 2024-25 season and when Cheika’s time as Tigers head coach comes to an end.
“Not only is it an opportunity to enhance my coaching but also one to do at a big club and a successful club, that are looking to add to that success this season,” Kidwell told the Leicester Tigers website.
“I love winning and want to keep winning, wherever I am, and I would not have said yes to Cheik if I didn’t think there was a chance of winning. The Premiership is a tough competition and Tigers are in the mix at the top and I want to help the players and coaches get even better.”
Tigers are fourth in the table, 11 games into their 18-match Premiership campaign, and will face Glasgow Warriors in the Round of 16 of the European Champions Cup.
Kidwell, a rugby league World Cup-winning player with New Zealand in 2008 who went on to coach the national side between 2016 and 2018, had a spell playing the 13-man game in England with Super League side Warrington Wolves.
That stint came early in his career and before be collected a National Rugby League title with Sydney Roosters in 2002.
He got to another NRL Grand Final with Melbourne Storm later in his career, but it was not until he moved into coaching that he helped the Victorian club to the Australian crown.
Chieka says Kidwell will bring “a unique perspective” and “offer a valuable, new point of view” for the remainder of the season.
“Having worked with him before, I know what positives he will bring into our environment and that extends beyond just the players to the coaches and staff with the experience and knowledge he can pass on to them to help us improve,” Cheika said.
“David was a tough player, successful player and both of those mindsets are going to be important for us.”
