New Kiwi coach wants to bring All Blacks-style rugby to Peterborough RUFC

And they’ve turned to a Kiwi to try and make it happen as New Zealander Shane Manning has replaced Phil Powell in the head coach role at Fengate.

Manning oversaw his first couple of training sessions at Second Drove as soon as Borough were finally allowed to open their doors.

No-one knows when competitive rugby union will start again, but Borough are determined to be well prepared for when it happens.

“That’s the aim,” Borough director of rugby Lee Adamson said. “We want to hit the ground running as soon as we are able to play again.

“We are delighted to have appointed Shane. He came highly recommended and he delivered a vision for the future that fits in with what we’re trying to do as a club.

“Our ambitions match up pefectly.

“Shane steered Enfield to promotion last season and they play at a similar level to us. He wants to bring their exciting, fast-paced, entertaining style to Borough and we’re confident he can do that

“It was sad to see Phil Powell leave. He is an excellent coach and did a great job in his two seasons with us, but we are happy to have appointed Shane.”

Powell left Borough for divisional rivals Old Northamptonians to cut down on travelling from his Milton Keynes home. He also works in Northampton.

City rivals Peterborough Lions and long-standing foes Kettering have both been relegated into Division One for next season. Neighbours Oundle were promoted into the Premier Diviosion.

Borough finished 10th out of 14 teams in Division One after a weighted points-per-game average was used to finalise league positions.

“The division looks as tough as it ever has next season,” Adamson added. “But we will be ready to have a go.”

Borough will appoint a captain nearer to the start of the season.