Sean Barrett to Lead Illawarrior Programs

By Ron Wood

The very experienced Sean Barrett has been appointed as the IDRU Director of Coaching. The appointment announced by the IDRU Board will see Sean become responsible for leading the Programs for the Illawarrior Seniors, Colts and Women’s campaigns. Sean’s role will be to take direct charge of the Illawarriors Caldwell Cup Challenge and oversee the preparation of the Colts and Women’s programs for the next three years.

The former Vikings 1st Grade coach has had extensive experience at the representative level having taken the Illawarriors to a couple of Caldwell Cup finals in the past. His coaching credentials are long with stints as Assistant Coach of the Wallaroos at the 2010 Rugby World Cup, and the NSW Waratahs Women’s Team in 2018. Sean has been a leading light in the Illawarra for many years with involvement in the Illawarra Academy of Sport, and having successfully coached just about every Illawarra junior Representative age group team over the last 22 years.

Sean’s appointment has been met with much positivity from the Illawarra Rugby Community with the man himself expressing his enthusiasm for the role. “It’s really exciting and a huge challenge to work towards the Country Championships at all levels and I am looking forward to working with all the local players, clubs, and coaches to ensure that we make the most of the challenge ahead”.

Sean’s first item on the agenda is to fill the Coaching and Support roles for all the squads and hopes to have all positions filled over the next few weeks. He is planning to conduct a day Camp in December encompassing a wider training group of players and will be busy communicating with local players and coaches over the coming weeks to bring about this first gathering. Further camps will be held early in 2022 before trial matches and a ten week preparation leading to Tamworth for the Country Championships in June.