A huge boost for struggling rugby club

Tom Marshall laughs off any suggestion he has taken a hospital pass by agreeing to coach the Nelson senior rugby side this year.

But one of the club’s finest products agrees it is a good challenge to try and turn their fortunes around.

Effectively, he is now a field marshall.

The former utility back returned from his final overseas playing stint last year and admits it was sad to see how far New Zealand’s oldest rugby club had slipped.

“You can’t sugarcoat it. Due to defaulting games, Nelson finished with negative one competition point. So, some might say I can’t do a worse job than what happened last year,” says Tom.

He started playing for Nelson in the U10’s and returned to the club after schooling at Nelson College.

In 2011 during the Rugby World Cup, Tom took part in the re-enactment of the first-ever rugby match played in Nelson.

“I want to restore respect into the jersey, the club and the name. My main priority is getting the enjoyment back, lifting spirits and creating a culture again,” declares the Tasman Mako assistant coach.

Culture has always meant a lot to the Nelson-born player.

Running into him as the Tasman Mako was heading home after overcoming an injury crisis and defending the Ranfurly Shield against Wellington in Blenheim, he was adamant it was the team culture that lifted them that day.

Tom was sounded out about the head coaching role last year and initially said he probably wouldn’t be able to do it.

“Turned out I could, and it is nice to give back to a club I used to love coming back to and having a run for before heading overseas.”

He describes himself as a real student of the game so a progression to coaching was pretty natural. A bit like his older brother James, who is an assistant coach at the Crusaders.

Tom played for the Mako, Crusaders, Chiefs and had two stints in Japan, but the 34-year-old insists he won’t be pulling the boots on again.

“I am retired. I won’t even register myself, to ensure I can’t play." The local club rugby scene is nowhere near as strong as when he moved offshore a decade ago.

“So we just have to be more pro-active in getting players.  Be braver in how we can attract them and what we can offer them.”

The first team has had up to 20 players turning up at Neale Park. “That’s not too bad but I know it’s not going to be easy.”

But the Māpua resident’s eyes light up when he reels off some of the new names at the club.

“Sione Mafi and Sammy Moimoi have come over from Stoke to play with their flatmate Blake Craddock, so that’s reuniting the Nelson College front row from two years ago.”

College openside flanker Kobe Brownlee, who made the U18 New Zealand Māori side last season, is another recruit.

Winger Brodie Robinson is already contracted to the Mako. “Brodie is the fastest man in the region. You can quote me on that.”

And then there’s the return of former Manu Samoa prop Sakaria Taulafo who arrived at Nelson College on a rugby scholarship in 2002.

“Zac” played for the Mako and went on to a 10 year career with top European clubs Wasps and Stade Francais before finishing with New York in the American league.
The veteran of two Rugby World Cups, and 44 tests, sure doesn’t look 42.

“The body is good as I have stayed in shape,” enthuses the asphalt worker, who sports one of best hairstyles you will ever see on a front rower.

“I remember playing for Nelson and we always made the play-offs. Nelson has always been a special place for me. I used to love coming back and playing in the off-season,” says Zac.