South Darwin Rabbitohs welcome the 2020 Rugby Union season with a host of changes across the board from coaching staff to playing personnel

South Darwin Rabbitohs will welcome the 2020 NT Rugby Union season with a host of senior changes at both coaching and committee level.

David Boyle will be missed by South Darwin after opting not to return for the 2020 season. Picture: Keri Megelus

South Darwin Rabbitohs will welcome the 2020 NT Rugby Union season with a host of senior changes at both coaching and committee level.

Senior coach Brad Hunt and club president James de Dassel have both stepped down with Jack Horner and Andrew Caruana stepping in respectively.

De Dassel has been a committee member since 2011 and club president for five years in what has been one of the club’s most successful periods.

“I really loved the opportunity, I jumped on the committee after 2011 as a sponsor, in that time we’ve been in five grand finals and had three premierships,” de Dassel told the NT News.

“It’s been a rewarding experience, getting players from different cultures including the Pacific Islands and Europe.

“I’ve made some lifelong friends here. It’s good governance to rotate these positions, I’ll still have input and I will still be a sponsor. The club is in great hands with Andrew and the whole committee.”

Under Hunt the side achieved two minor premierships and won the 2018 title, he has stepped down to concentrate on playing and coaching with the NT Mozzies.

New coach Horner brings with him plenty of experience having coached defence force teams with the army.

The Rabbitohs have managed to retain the majority of their core playing group but have lost a couple of key players including David Boyle who has been with the club for at least ten seasons.

Frankie Kiautau and Dallas Penetito will also be big losses for the side after moving interstate.

“They’re big losses but we still have the core of our side for this year,” de Dassel said.

“Brett Joyes has returned after taking a break to play in Sweden last year. He’s back playing a big part and is a possible captain for the coming season.

“We’re also back playing at Warren Park full-time after being displaced for two years, so it’s good for us to be back on home turf.”