Goodman wins Coach of the Year

A pair of NPC and Super Rugby Aotearoa titles has seen Andrew Goodman named top coach in the region.

Andrew's accomplishments were acknowledged at the ASB Nelson Sports Awards this evening as he took home The Lion Foundation Coach of the Year.

"Bit of a surprise, the award is a real honour and it is a recognition of our whole coaching team, it is not just one person it's our whole group."

Head coach of the Tasman Mako, Andrew guided the side to an inaugural NPC Premiership in 2019 with a 31-14 win over Wellington at Trafalgar Park.

The Mako went 11-0 in 2019, scoring 440 points and conceding just 137.

Andrew's team returned to the final in 2020, defeating Auckland 13-12 to win consecutive premierships.

"We have got a great team around us that are good mates off the field. I am really lucky to have awesome support from my coaching management group, leadership group and family at home. "

His influence has seen the likes of Finlay Christie, Will Jordan, Ethan Blackadder, David Havili and Shannon Frizell become regular All Black selections.

Andrew says he works with an amazing group of young men.

"They come in everyday to get better, are really motivated and love their region."

Andrew is also assistant coach of the Crusaders who won the 2020 and 2021 Super Rugby Aotearoa competitions.