'Mr. Professional'
Ex-captain Fitzpatrick to guide All Blacks
Posted: Thursday March 11, 1999 03:46 PM
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Sean Fitzpatrick wants his players to adopt a disciplined approach to the game. Anton Want/Allsport |
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (Reuters) -- Former All Black captain Sean Fitzpatrick has been appointed as a consultant "to take the national game into the new millennium," the New Zealand Rugby Football Union (NZRFU) said Thursday.
The NZRFU said Fitzpatrick had signed a three-year contract to assist the development of rugby throughout New Zealand.
"He's regarded as rugby's 'Mr. Professional' and we would be crazy not to make the most of his invaluable experience and mana [prestige]," NZRFU chief executive David Moffett said.
Fitzpatrick said he was delighted to maintain a high level of contact with New Zealand rugby.
"It's great to be able to contribute to the future of the game, to keep learning about all the facets of professional rugby, and to go on using some of what I have learnt over the years," he said.
"It's so important that players recognize the need for the right balance in their lives, maintaining the fun but acknowledging that rugby is now a profession which requires certain standards and disciplines, the same as any job does."
Copyright 2003 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved.
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