By: Xander Evans
As we approach Week 1, anticipation builds for the season’s opener, where New Orleans will face off against Old Glory DC. We seized the opportunity to sit down with Coach Cory, delving into his perspectives on the forthcoming season, his ambitions to cultivate a lasting legacy within the New Orleans rugby community, and his tactical considerations for the match. With a focus on leveraging his squad’s rich diversity and talent, he aims to elevate the team’s performance and foster a deep connection with the city’s passionate fans. As the match against Old Glory DC looms, Coach Cory’s insights reveal a blend of anticipation, strategy, and a profound commitment to making this season a memorable chapter in the team’s history.
Q: Coach, welcome to New Orleans. Your rugby career as both a player and a coach have taken you all over the world — France, Italy, New Zealand, Australia, Japan, Georgia, and now the United States. What are some commonalities and differences that you’ve seen across these nations, and what do you really want to apply here in the US?
A: It’s something I’ve reflected on many times. I started traveling for rugby when I was 17. The sport has allowed me to experience the world and different cultures. I’ve found that in every country, it didn’t matter if I spoke the national language or not — the love and passion for rugby helped me feel right at home. The core values of the game shined through no matter what. These experiences excited me to come to the United States and help develop the sport; I think rugby is absolutely suited to Americans and if more people get involved with the game, it’ll keep growing and growing. I view that as part of my job.
Q: Give me a few sentences that summarize the brand of rugby that you want to play this season. What areas of the pitch do you want to really key in on, and where can we improve from last season?
A: When I look back last season and spexak with the coaches, it’s all about consistency. My philosophy for rugby is to play at speed, attack openings, and back our skills. If we can’t get that speed, it’s important that we execute our carries and our clean outs — we need to open lanes for our forwards, no matter what. I expect you’ll see some of that on Saturday.
Q: It’s been a busy offseason. Who are a couple guys that you’re really excited to debut for the GOLD this week?
A: I’ve only coached two of the players in the team in the past — Pat O’Toole and Jarred Adams. I coached Jarred in Japan. It’s been a great experience to start building relationships with the rest of the squad; Rodney’s a fantastic 10, Jordan Jackson-Hope is a talented and smart player who makes great decisions. Augusto from Chile at the 2 has impressed in the preseason and brings that South American passion and heart. Jonah Mau’u and OJ in our loose forwards are physical carriers that will get some great opportunities in the next few weeks.
Q: Let’s shift our focus to DC now. Obviously, with a lot of turnover in both squads, it’s tough to predict exactly how this week will go, but what are some challenges that you expect from Old Glory?
A: Their DNA is probably the same as last season — they like to maul and play a physical game. That actually produces some other opportunities on the pitch, like the hooker coming around and creating space on the back of the maul. They like unstructured rugby, too — capitalizing off of turnovers, playing quick-taps…we’re focused on their strong areas, but more importantly, we’re focused on our own game. We believe in our preparation and want to execute our game plan.
Q: DC narrowly edged out the GOLD for the last playoff spot in the East last season. Is that motivating the lads in a good way this week?
A: It’s definitely been talked about. The coaches have talked about it, some of the players have talked about it…that’s what great about rugby. You can build that competitive spirit into the week’s preparation.
Q: What have you done as a coach to gel this team together in advance of the start of the season? How important is that for a group of guys that haven’t all played together?
A: Bringing this team together has been exciting in the preseason. We’ve got 15 different nationalities, and we’re in a city celebrating rich culture and diversity. We want the lads to be themselves and honor their cultures but also recognize that we are united under one collective. We’ve got all 15 country flags in the dressing room, we eat different foods from the different countries each week, and we also have the word “togetherness” written in each respective language written on the walls.
Q: It’s important that we know you as not only a rugby coach but as a person too. What do you like to do outside of rugby, and what are some things about New Orleans you’ve explored since you’ve gotten here?
A: Mardi Gras was an awesome experience. I went to 4 or 5 parades throughout the season. We gave the boys a couple days off during Mardi Gras week so they could experience everything and enjoy themselves. I didn’t see any trouble at all…it was a great celebration of bringing people together.
Q: If there’s one thing you want GOLD fans to know about you as a coach, what would it be?
A: I’m a family man with a wife and three kids back home in New Zealand. That’s why I do what I do — I love rugby and love my job, and execute at a high level for my family. I love all sports — golf, NFL, cricket, basketball, you name it. I’m a competitive guy and like to compete wherever I can.
