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The Glendale Raptors have not waited long to fill their Head Coach vacancy. Just two weeks after announcing that Dave Williams had been released, Glendale Director of Rugby Mark Bullock has confirmed that Peter Borlase has been promoted to the lead role after acting as Forwards Coach for the past season.
At just 34, Borlase becomes the youngest current Head Coach in MLR. He has previously held the same role with Gernika in Spain and the Denver Barbarians, and has been an assistant with the Junior All-Americans and the Denver Stampede in PRO Rugby. The New Zealand native played professionally for Canterbury, Munster, Connacht, Hawke’s Bay, and the Crusaders as a prop before retiring in 2013.
Two experienced coaches have been named as assistants. Former Eagles lock Luke Gross, currently the Director of Amateur Rugby at the club, will take charge of the defense. Nico Rithner will take over as head of strength and conditioning, a role previously led by Williams himself.
In an official statement, Bullock welcomed Borlase and confirmed more staff will be added.
“I have observed Pete coaching at various levels over the years and he not only has the expertise needed for this level, but has a player-centered approach that works well in this modern era. We are convinced Pete will be a great leader for this team moving forward.
“More additions to the coaching staff will be named before long. Thankfully, we have a bit of time during the off-season to get these selections right and start building a group of talented and similar-minded coaches as we move into our third season in the MLR.”
