GU Knights

           
GUkngihts-logo

          

COACHING STAFF

Shaun Cole

The Club is pleased to announce The Coach is BACK for 2025!

Coley returns in his role as Head Coach for year 4 after 2 Successful Premiership winning campaigns and is hell bent on avenging last years Grand Final loss and we couldn’t be happier to have him lead our club again next season.
He’s a Players Coach who is always willing to go the extra mile to help or get the most out of any individual.
 
His unwavering faith & commitment in his playing group has been evident across the last Three seasons leading to success on-field but also an off-field camaraderie that is second to none.
 
Coley has his World Rugby Level 3 which is a credit to his dedication to improving himself as a coach but also a testament to what the Club, District & QRU think of him as an emerging Rugby Union Coach. He is also the Gold Coast and District senior men’s representative team head coach.
 
Prior to coaching First Grade he Coached 2nds, was our Club Captain for 7 years, won 2 Premierships as a player, served on the committee for 4 years and you won’t find a more dedicated and passionate Knight. He is also the clubs latest Life member receiving the honor in 2024.
 
If you know Coley you will know he has an organised, structured Season Plan so Stay tuned for more information regarding Pre-Season, Trial Games & Regular Season Draw very soon!

Players can call Shaun on 0423761427

Des Kissane

Des Kissane is back on board as our First Grade Assistant Coach next year with a key focus on our Forwards not just for 1’s but across the club. this will be his 3rd season with the club. Des is a Brothers Rugby Club Life Member where he spent 45 years involved as a player, coach and board member. His coaching career is a long one but it involves:

2 Years Forwards Coach with the Knights

15 years involved with Brothers Prem Grade 
6 years coaching QLD 19’s & 21’s 
Coaching stints in America, Canada and Japan and he was also a Coaching Director for the QRU for a number of years. 

Des was highly recommended by Graham Herlihy who he coached with in Japan and a number of serving Brothers members as well as Qld Rugby identities. The one thing that stood out when the club was looking at Dessie’s history was his Life Member Announcement. He was described as “Always one to put the club before himself across his 45 years of involvement”.

As a club we’re after selfless people who can contribute to our Playing Group and Culture to continue being the best Rugby club on the Gold Coast. We think with his experience he will be a major help for not only our players, but also the committee and the other coaches both at senior and junior level. 

2nd Grade Coaching Staff 2025

We’re excited to Welcome Kereti Maniapoto to the club who comes with a wealth of experience. Kereti did a Certificate of Coaching at Massey University and Many Accreditations through the NZRFU. His Coaching Career has seem him at Taihape Rugby Club, Wanganui Development Coach and had a successful stint at the Nerang Bulls locally. He has a background in the Mental Health, Counselling and Social work space which we believe will be a great skill set addition to our club. Welcome Kereti.
 
Dyan steps into the Senior Men’s space next year after spending last year Coaching in the Women’s competition while also progressing through his Level 2 Coaching Accreditation. He will predominantly focus on the 2nd Grade backs next season.
 
Lee needs no introduction as he has been a long serving member of the club and coaching staff and will take on the Management role for next year while helping both Kereti & Dyan get familiar with the squad. Lee’s selflessness and willing to help where ever possible is a much respected trait within our Club.

3rd Grade Coaching Staff 2025


We would like to Introduce our 2025 Third Grade Coaching Team.

Joshua “Wawa” Scott returns as Head Coach of the Thirsty Thirds for yet another season. Josh is a stalwart of the club serving as the clubs President for numerous years and is also the current Senior President. He has led the 3’s to numerous Premierships in the past but more importantly guided young men seamlessly into Senior Rugby, enabling them to progress to the higher grades.

He will have the services of Wally Tipene & Paul Carey at his disposal. Two great Rugby Men who love the game, love our great club and most importantly love the boys. We have no doubt we will see a deep run into the finals from our 3 Grade side again next season with these 3 Men guiding them along.

THINKING OF
JOINING?

Rugby has a proud tradition of sportsmanship, teamwork and camaraderie. As a result, we are always looking for players that share our values and want to be part of an organisation devoted to hard work and community.