New Peterborough RUFC coach has lived and breathed rugby union for all of his life, but then he is a Kiwi!

He’s a Kiwi so he probably had little choice.

Manning (43) played as a hooker to Premier Club level in his homeland and first moved to England in 2000 and played in the Isle of Man.

He’s been back in England for the last 12 years and he’s forged a reputation for improving clubs and delivering success. Manning helped Colchester into the National League before he took up coaching.

Manning coached Enfield Ignations to promotion in the 2019-20 season before deciding to join Peterborough RUFC in the summer, linking up with the club’s director of football Lee Adamson, someone he’d met several years before on the circuit.

“The challenge at Peterborough appealed to me,” Manning said. “It’s a great community club full of homegrown players who have been here for years.

“A couple of players have followed me from Enfield and they will give a voice to the team, but basically it’s a team of Peterborough people.

“That’s how I like it rather than dragging players from here, there and everywhere to play.

“The facilities at Peterborough are excellent and everyone has been very welcoming.

“I met Lee when he was working for the RFU so that was a plus for me.

“As a Kiwi I was into rugby as soon as I came out of the womb.

“I reached a good standard back home and I’ve played for some good clubs over here.

“Enfield was enjoyable, but I live in Potton and driving to Peterborough down the A1 rather to London up the A1 is more enjoyable.

“I have played every seasom since I started coaching, as front row players can be like gold dust, but I hope to be able to avoid that here.

“I want us to play attractively and positively, but also carefully.

“I was told at an early age that running into opposition players hurts so I like to see the ball passed. I can’t wait to get started properly.”

Backs Michael Hall - a fly half or centre - and centre Liam Dunne have followed Manning to Borough from Enfield Ignations.

New second row forward James Immerson used to be at Biggleswade with Manning.

Borough hope to play in a mini-league involving other local clubs Oundle and Peterborough Lions in the new year.