Harry Darkins and Ricky Goodwin are the coaches of the Whangarei Boys’ High School Rugby 7’s teams.

Harry is a PE Teacher and Whanau Leader at Whangarei Boys’ High School who has been voluntarily coaching Rugby 7’s at the school for the past 6 years. He has achieved remarkable results during that time include 6 consecutive Condor 7’s Nationals trips, multiple Northland Secondary Schools titles and selection of players to tournament teams and representative honours.

Harry’s relationship with his players is an inspiration to coaches from other codes. He has players always wanting to come and play in his teams due to the supportive and enjoyable environment he creates. Not only is the coach-athlete relationship strong, Harry has found that by coaching he is able to have a better relationship with the students he teachers. “I have found, that once you know students outside the classroom, they respond to you better in the classroom.” Former student athletes that Harry has worked with often keep in contact once they leave school and can be seen at tournaments catching up with Harry and discussing the new look teams on the field.

Ricky Goodwin is one of those student athletes. Ricky is in his first season as a coach after playing for the senior team for the past two seasons. Ricky wanted to stay involved in Rugby 7’s and learn about coaching after completing his studies at Whangarei Boys’ High School. Mr Darkins offered him a position as a coach, primarily with the junior side, to strengthen the coaching team and serve as a role model to younger players. This has provided Ricky with an opportunity to develop coaching skills and a knowledge base that is rare among people his age. “Working with Mr Darkins and the coaching team has opened my eyes to all the work that goes on behind the scenes, off the field, away for the games and trainings. I am learning so much that I can apply to other aspects of my life. I’m looking forward to doing more coaching.”

Harry and Ricky have been acknowledged as Sportmakers and have received gear bags, which they plan on screen printing with the Whangarei Boys’ High School logo, their names and job titles in preparation for Condor 7’s National at the end of the year.

Thank you Harry and Ricky for your contribution to Sport and for making it happen!