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.
“I like the challenge of needing to think on your feet and outside of the box.”
The former Rebels fly-half and co-captain of the Super W side has listened to, and learnt 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.
“I’ve had coaches in many different sports throughout my life who have all had a profound impact on me. As I headed towards the end of my playing career, coaching seemed like a natural progression for me.”
“I want to be available to go out to each and every one of the teams I work with, find out what kind of support they need, and support them where they need it”, said the new coach.
Rugby was not always Robinson’s obsession. She was a talented high jumper in her youth and also a New Zealand junior and youth champion in ten pin bowling.
Robinson is now carving her own niche as a rugby coach and relished being part of the Gallagher High Performance Academy.
“It was a fantastic opportunity to immerse myself at the highest level possible, being a real sponge and soaking up the experience,” she said.
“So many of the things I've learnt or done on the course, I’ve taken away with me and applied in real life situations.”
“I want to spread the message wide and far, and really help the rugby community”
“Being available to our coaches within the community is how I can share my knowledge and empower them on their journeys; inspiring more females to take up coaching”, said Robinson.
Having completed the programme, Meretiana is now looking to work with key stakeholders to help create a structure and pathway in which other coaches can develop their skills.