Blairs set as Mudcrabs name coach for women’s team

The chance to play her favourite sport with her daughter has Moera Blair pumped for FNQ Rugby’s new women’s competition to kick off.

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The chance to play her favourite sport with her daughter has Moera Blair pumped for FNQ Rugby’s new women’s competition to kick off.

The Blairs have already ticked off a mother-daughter netball match, but the new competition will give the New Zealanders the opportunity to play their preferred sport before Moera hangs up the boots.

“I think it’s just, being Kiwis, rugby is our sport,” she said.

“It’s great for us older players, but it’s a lot more important for the girls who are about 18 or 19. This competition provides a better pathway.”

Russell Todd will add the women's team to his coaching commitments for the upcoming FNQ Rugby competition, while Moera Blair is looking forward to playing alongside her daughter. PICTURE: STEWART McLEAN

The Blairs are among the group ready to hit the field for Mudcrabs, with Russell Todd adding the women’s side to his coaching portfolio.

Todd has been one of the driving forces for women’s rugby in recent years, leading the Tempest Sevens rep sides and pushing for more development of young footballers.

It didn’t take much to get the Englishman to agree to coach the side.

“We’ve had a successful junior girls and rep program at the club, but six or seven of the girls are now too old for juniors,” Todd said. “Before, we couldn’t give them the opportunity to play senior rugby.”

FNQ Rugby’s new season is set to start on July 25.

Originally published as Blairs set as Mudcrabs name coach for women’s team