Brad Hepi named All Golds coach

Former Super League player Brad Hepi has been appointed as the Head Coach of new Championship 1 team Gloucestershire All Golds.

Hepi, 44, who played for Hull, Castleford and Salford in a four year spell between 1998 and 2001, first came to the UK with Carlisle in 1990, and also played for Workington, Featherstone and Doncaster.

He was part of the Workington team that won the 1994 Premiership at Old Trafford, and also earned 12 international caps for New Zealand Maori during his playing career.

The former Illawarra Steelers forward has more recently held coaching roles with the Hull FC academy and the Bristol Ladies rugby union team.

Director of sport at the University of Gloucestershire, Andy Pitchford, said: “Brad is a fantastic leader. He knows the game inside out and inspires players with his knowledge, commitment and courage.

“He will be an excellent coach for us and fits the All Golds mould – he is rugby league through and through but he understands education and what a university can bring to this great sport.”

The All Golds get their Championship 1 season underway with a game against fellow new boys Oxford in March.