Japan-based rugby coach Todd Blackadder usually flies under the radar when he returns to Golden Bay in the off-season.
But this time the 54-year-old found himself a social media hit, and for all the right reasons.
He was asked to referee an U10’s rugby match between Tākaka and Waimea and leapt at the chance.
“It was the first time I have ever reffed a game. There were no scrums or lineouts, and the kids were very well drilled. They even told me when they had thrown a forward pass. I had thought about trying for my ref’s ticket before so I could help out if they are short,” says Todd, who pulled up well after the runaround.
“NPC level, next,” he jokes.
It was welcome relief after a tough year as his Toshiba Brave Lupus attempted to complete a three-peat in Japan’s League One club competition.
“We lost 12 or 13 players to injury in the pre-season so to finish sixth was a pretty good result,” says the former Crusaders and Tasman Mako Coach.
Among those sidelined was 33-test All Black forward Shannon Frizell, who has returned to represent the Mako.
“He should be pretty fresh because he only played one and a half games for us. He broke his hand twice and injured his hamstring as well,” reveals Todd, who was also instrumental in one of his young club props, Vea Taumoefolau, coming to Tasman.
“Vea was going gangbusters. He is a very exciting prospect and I thought a change of scenery might help him.”
While he has lost playmaker Richie Mo’unga to the All Blacks, he is looking forward to being reunited with Crusaders and Mako captain David Havili at the Tokyo club in the city of Fuchu next season.
Todd was rapt to see his local club, Collingwood, perform so well in its return to the Nelson Bays Div 2 competition.
“They had a lot of injuries so to make the semi-finals was a great effort. They are really well coached and the local community gets right behind the black and gold.”
He’s been training with the squad but there was never a chance of making a comeback.
Todd moved to Japan in 2019 and confirms the next season with Toshiba will be his last as head coach.
“There’s a young guy ready to take over, so my role may change,” concludes Todd, whose passion for rugby remains after more than 35 years as a provincial, super rugby and international player and coach.
