Mark Anscombe Interview
1. Are you looking forward to starting at Ulster? When will you be moving over to Belfast?
My contract starts the 1st June and I'm really looking forward to moving to Belfast and start working with the management and playing squad.
2. You have coached the Auckland Blues and the New Zealand u20 squad previously, which players have you worked with before that have went on to have a successful career?
There have been a number of players that I have had the pleasure of working with over the years that have gone on to have very successful careers; John Afoa, Daniel Braid, Jerome Kaino, Sione Lauaki, Craig Newby, Luke McAlister, Nick Evans and Joe Rokocoko. All Blacks from the NZ20's so far are Zac Guildford, Aaron Cruden and Sam Whitelock but I expect a number of others over the next few years to progress into the All Blacks.
3. Did you chat to John Afoa and Jared Payne before deciding to take the Ulster coaching position?
Yes I spoke to both of them before my interview to get their thoughts of the team, the competitions and how they found the rugby in the Northern Hemisphere and also living in Belfast. They where both really positive on everything that was going on over there.
4. What do you think of Ulster and their recent progression in the last few years?
It has been really encouraging to see the progress in the last few years after dropping away after winning the European Cup in 1999. When I was last in Ireland in the mid nineties Ulster where the dominate team in Ireland.
5. What sort of style do you prefer your teams to play?
Firstly the most important aspect here is that we play a pattern that suits the strength of the team. To be successful in any competition you must have a dominate forward pack that gives you go forward ball, from there you can determine the style you wish to play going wide or through the middle, you also can determine the pace of the game.
6. As you are a specialist forwards coach are you hoping to go with a Northern Hemisphere forwards approach or a Southern Hemisphere approach which is open and expansive?
As mentioned in your last question it doesn't matter where you're playing to have success it starts up front, if we can do that we will hopefully combine the two.
7. Ulster has a great youth system now with Brian McLaughlin getting involved after this season, will you have input with the youth system as well as the elite squad?
I hope too, as I have been involved with the New Zealand Under 20's for the last four years I believe I have something to offer here. I believe that for survival and success you must have a good academy programme.
8. Ulster has signed Tommy Bowe for next season with other stars still in the team such as Ruan Pienaar, Stephen Ferris, Rory Best, Johann Muller plus many others. How much are you looking forward to working with these players?
It is always exciting working with successful people, there is an unbelievable amount of experience within the squad. Getting together and working towards achieving success and winning competitions is what we all want, I can't wait.
9. Do you watch much Northern Hemisphere rugby if so which teams impress you?
I do, there is always a few games a week on back home. I really enjoyed watching Ulster clean out Leicester in the Heineken Cup. There is no one team that I have followed, always watching out for the New Zealander players over there. Over the last few years I think Munster and Leinster have been as impressive as any.
Best of luck with next season Mark, we wish you all the best!
Thank you very much I'm looking forward to the challenge.
