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Josh Syms will depart Old Glory DC after just one season to take up a contract with Zebre Parma. The 42-year-old New Zealander has agreed a two-year deal to become the Italian club’s new Forwards Coach, as confirmed by the Hawke’s Bay Rugby Union.
Since taking over in January, Syms has made a significant impact at Old Glory. After finishing at the bottom of the Eastern Conference last season they are currently in second place with a strong chance to make the postseason for the first time. Most notably their average points against has dropped by 10 per game from 2022 without compromising their offensive output.
Syms had been due to rejoin the Magpies as Head Coach for the NPC campaign but will now continue his coaching career in the United Rugby Championship. He will be tasked with helping to turn around the struggling Zebre side who failed to record a single victory during the regular season this past year.
Old Glory will now have to decide on a new Head Coach for the 2024 campaign. Callum Gibbins has been the primary assistant for Syms this year with player-coach Kurt Baker and former Eagles flyhalf Ben Cima also part of the staff. Syms had replaced interim coach Nate Osborne during the off-season. Andrew Douglas led the side from their inception to mid-way through the 2022 campaign.
