Wests 1st Grade Coach Craig Robberds will sign off in 2019 after coaching at the John I Dent level since taking over from Geoff Stokes in 2007.

​

After thirteen years at the helm, the longest serving coach in recent history in the ACT, Robberds is content with handing over the reigns ahead of a new waive of young talent coming through the ranks.

​

“Obviously this season could have been a lot of different if a few of those close games went our way, but this squad has some serious talent, and are a really good bunch of guys. The timing is right for me to step aside and let someone come in with some new ideas and take this young squad forward,” Robberds said.

​

This by no means a goodbye for ‘Robbo’, as he and the club have already begun discussions in finding a new role within the coaching structure for the 2020 season.

​

“Robbo is a tremendous asset to this club, you won’t find anyone more Wests than Craig Robberds.  His willingness to keep building this club is a credit to his commitment and passion for the Lions. He’s a legend of Wests and always will be,” Club President Angus McKerchar said.

​

Robberds’ coaching career has seen him take the Lions to three grand finals and numerous other finals campaigns during his tenure. He is renowned for developing players, taking them from the Feeding Grounds at Jamison to professional rugby’s highest levels.

​

“With Robbo's experience and passion he is a great person to have developing our talent and we want him to continue being involved in this aspect. We’ve got seven of our Under 18s in the ACT squad, and a number of them have made further representative teams at the State Championships last week, so it’s promising signs for the future. If Robbo can share his knowledge and experience with our young players, we are very fortunate,” McKerchar said.

​

Further details around the 1st Grade Coach for 2020 will be circulated in due course. More to come.