A Word With: Nathan Mauger | Canterbury Sport | Surfing, Rugby, Soccer, Football, Cricket in Canterbury

Former All Black NATHAN MAUGER, back in Christchurch to coach after a playing career in five countries, talks to Nick Tolerton

 

How long have you been back in New Zealand?

One year, although when we came home initially we spent a bit of time up the far north where my wife Anita comes from and I’ve got a bit of property, just to relax for a few months. But unfortunately fishing and scuba diving don’t pay the bills! When I thought of setting up the academy, it was a bit of a no-brainer to come back to Christchurch.

Did you play this year?

No. There was no shortage of invites, that’s for sure – even my father asked me to have a run with his golden oldies!

What led to your interest in coaching?

The type of person I am, I ideally wanted a job I could give something back to and have the ability to help improve a person, and I thought I can do that for my rugby. It’s fair to say a lot of coaches coach for that reason.

Now you’re starting your own academy?

Yes, Mauger Developments Rugby. A skill development programme is the best way to describe it, and initially for boys 11 to 17. In my senior years of rugby I saw guys playing who could have benefited from earlier skills development. It will focus a lot on decision-making, because I believe that is a huge part of rugby, and then follow through with execution.

And your first intake is at your old school next month?

I’m keen to give something back there. Going to Christchurch Boys’ High School was quite an influential decision on my rugby career. I remember for the first time as a third former watching the first XV and Daryl Gibson playing for it. And School V College and the haka. I was just a young kid from Lyttelton and I’d never experienced anything like that! It had a real impact on me.

As well as the Crusaders and Canterbury, you’ve played for Gloucester in England, Treviso in Italy, Toulon in France, and Ricoh in Japan. Which overseas stint did you enjoy most?

I took a lot out of every country I went to. Japan, for example, I really miss their food. But if it had to be one place, Italy. I really enjoyed the culture, it’s very family-orientated, and with piazzas thousands of years old it’s a unique place to live. A lot of the values in Italy sat well with me.

Come home fluent in five languages?

I’m pretty fluent when it comes to ordering food! 

Did you play against brother Aaron?

Just missed! Treviso played Leicester in the Heineken Cup the year I left. It was a good thing – I think they put 60 or 70 points on Treviso.

Would you change any of today’s rules?

It was very frustrating in Italy that refs didn’t police the breakdown too well. There were a lot of numbers at the breakdown lying over the ball, so as backs it was very frustrating and often the ball was very slow. So something I would change is improving the standard of referees there!

Favourite movie?

I’m a big movie watcher. One recently that I really enjoyed was The Hangover. 10 out of 10.

TV?

Just watch my rugby at weekends, so my wife’s got control of the remote during the week. Oh, and I watch One Network News at six every night.

Music?

Since I was a wee fellow I’ve quite enjoyed reggae music – it gives off good happy vibes for me. The last album I purchased was Fat Freddy’s Drop’s new album. I appreciate a lot of New Zealand music, like Katchafire.

Holiday destination?

Cook Islands.

Last book you read?

The Da Vinci Code, and Angels and Demons.

What about Christchurch did you miss most when you were overseas?

Family, the Canterbury jersey, and the Noodle House. Which leads to favourite food – the Noodle House No.2 chicken noodle soup with extra veggies! Steak, eggs, and chips is also a favourite.

Best mate in rugby?

Aaron has always been my best mate. We spent a lot of time kicking a ball around when we were younger, and have similar goals in life. I also had a good core of mates in the Canterbury team, and we’re still very close.

Interests?

I spend a lot of time with my family – I  have a little boy, Kingston, who turns two in October. I value time with family and close friends. And I play a lot of squash.