SAM Berry has long held a desire to coach Newcastle University rugby club. His appointment has come a little bit earlier than he expected.
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Berry takes the reins from Tony Munro, whose intention was always to call it quits after three years at the helm.
Munro's right-hand man, Bobby Harrison, is staying on as director of rugby.
Former University and NSW Country lock Matt Dun is the forwards' coach.
Berry, 37, has assisted Munro and took charge for six games last season when the head coach was away working.
"It was good to be able to watch and learn from Tony," Berry said. "He is very organised and has done some high-level stuff.
"He and Bobby suggested that I should be the next one to step into the role. I was always going to do it at some stage. It probably came a little earlier than I was planning."
Berry takes over a talented group that made giant strides last Huter Rugby season.
"The guys we have now - Brady Mather, Joe Kingham, Tyrone Beitaki - are coming into their third year," Berry said. "We made a big effort to keep them. A lot of the players just need a bit of confidence. We need to focus on improving the skill level as well. They have to be coached. At a lot of the top clubs, the players come in and are ready to go. These guys need a lot of skills work."
University president Warren Watson said it was vital that the club retained some continuity and believed Berry, with his history and passion for the club, was the ideal appointment.
"We have established some solid foundations," he said. "Tony did a good job of engaging the students.
"With the competition not going ahead in 2020, we had 70 new students this year. There has been a fresh energy there and we have worked hard on the student experience and building of culture. We have been able to retain the majority of the kids because of the environment that we have created. We are pretty excited about 2022."
Up until now, Berry has also played first grade. He joined the club in 2003 and was a part of sides which lost the 2006 and 2008 grand finals - their most recent appearance in a decider.
As well the young guns, experienced heads Dylan Heins and Tana Manu have committed for next year.
"If we could get two or three quality players on top of what we have got, that would be ideal," Berry said. "Some of our old boys live in Sydney and their kids are in the 20 age bracket. We care tapping into those resources. A few have Shute Shield experience and are interested in having a year or two in Newcastle to finish their degree. We can't be finishing eighth and ninth forever. We need to have a crack."