Coach Blades to Leave Club

Dear SDRC community, The board of directors has been advised that Cameron Blades will not be coaching at Southern Districts in 2014. Cameron has recently been appointed forwards coach of the Australian Under 20s World Cup side for next season (with the boards recent blessing) and this along with a young family and existing work commitments, he feels that he is unable to service all areas appropriately. In making his decision Cameron has identified that the area of the most stability is the SDRC. This is greatly due to his tenure as head coach for 2 seasons and a previous 2 seasons in 2010-2011. During the time Cameron has been coaching SDRC the club has experienced a purple patch of success. 2010- in conjunction with Darren Bray 1st grade reached the Preliminary final – after winning a record 11 straight games 2011- the reserve grade premiership was won- with Cameron assisting the forwards and the coaches of the side all season 2012- 1st grade plays in its maiden grand final - only to lose by a point 2013- Again played in the preliminary final During the 4 years of coaching many of our players have risen through the ranks from club – state – National selection. Some of those can attribute the work of Cameron to their success. Sitaleki Timani, Ita Vaea, Radeki Samo gained professional contacts during the time Cameron was coaching at SDRC. Further to that Dan Palmer, Kane Douglas made their international debuts whilst up and comers Jed Holloway and Ben Volavola became Waratahs and professional rugby players. Cameron leaves a wonderful legacy at SDRC and is always welcomed back at any time in the future. Much of the recent success on the field can be attributed to Cameron leading a young and dynamic coaching side through a resurgence of Rebels Rugby. Neville Shooter Club President