Meretiana Robinson has made a smooth transition from playing to coaching.
Deciding what to do when your playing days are over can be difficult, but for Meretiana Robinson the decision to move into coaching was an easy one.
The former Rebels fly-half and co-captain of the Super W side had listened and learned from different coaches throughout her playing career, and is now imparting her own knowledge in her new role as women and girls’ rugby co-ordinator for Rugby Victoria.
“As I headed towards the end of my playing career, coaching seemed like a natural progression for me,” Robinson told World Rugby.
“I’ve had coaches in many different sports throughout my whole life who have all had a profound impact on me.
“I want to be able to give back in the same way and be in a position to help athletes reach their goals.
“I really enjoy seeing athletes grow from strength to strength, right before your eyes. I think there is something really empowering about coaching something that you are really obsessed with. That’s what rugby feels like – an obsession.
“I like the challenge of needing to think on your feet and outside of the box.”
Rugby was not always Robinson’s obsession as she was a talented high jumper in her youth and also a New Zealand junior and youth champion in ten pin bowling – a sport played at international level by her father, Fayne, who is also one of the country’s best-known cultural artists.
Robinson is now carving her own niche as a rugby coach and is relishing being part of the Gallagher High Performance Academy.
“I am really looking forward to immersing myself at the most elite level possible, being a real sponge and soaking up as much experience as possible to lead me into a role coaching Rebels Super W,” she said.