Both men are returning (Dowd) or have returned (Mayerhofler) from successful careers in the UK to contribute to the development of North Harbour and New Zealand rugby. Dowd has been appointed as the Rugby Development Manager and Mayerhofler as a full time video analyst.
Currently Dowd is the London Wasps forward coach in the English Premiership and Heineken Cup competitions. His new position will see him responsible for all player and coach development in the region and managing the North Harbour Rugby Academy.
Mayerhofler already has an established association with the union through 11 appearances for the NPC side. His position as a fulltime video analyst will enable him to provide analysis assistance to the amateur area of the union which includes schools, clubs and the North Harbour Rugby Academy as well as the Air New Zealand Cup side with North Harbour.
Chief Executive Brett Hollister is excited about the new appointments: “Craig and Mark are exciting appointments for North Harbour Rugby as we focus more on developing community rugby. The primary purpose of these two roles is to improve our player and coach development pathways. Both individuals have long and distinguished playing careers and will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the North Harbour province.”
Dowd is happy to be coming home for a new challenge: “I am very excited to be joining North Harbour and looking forward to starting my new role as the Rugby Development Manager. I am especially excited about assisting many young players to realise their potential, utilising the wide exposure to international rugby knowledge I have gained throughout my career.”
Mayerhofler is relishing the chance to work with his old province.
“It is fantastic to be coming home to the place where my rugby career started. The growth over the last five years has been quite amazing and I am looking forward to contributing to the wider development of rugby in this region.”
Dowd and Mayerhofler will commence their new positions with North Harbour Rugby Union in early 2008. Dowd will begin in March 2008 and Mayerhofler in January 2008.
