Goodman, Christie bid farewell to Tasman rugby

Two of the leading lights in Tasman rugby’s ascendancy to the upper echelon of New Zealand provincial rugby are leaving the top of the south union.

Andrew Goodman and Shane Christie, who between them played 128 games for the Mako, then joined the coaching ranks, helping Tasman to back-to-back premiership titles on 2020-21, announced today that they are moving on.

Tasman Rugby Union CEO Lyndon Bray said on social media, “Today we bid farewell to two Tasman Mako legends.

“A massive thank you to two of our giant Mako men – Andrew Goodman and Shane Christie.

“Their leadership and guidance of our young men has seen the Mako realise our potential and become a true force in NPC rugby in NZ.

“Our very best wishes for your futures in rugby and life and we will see you at our Mako home, later in the year.”

Andrew, [Mako No 33], played 55 games for Tasman as a goal-kicking midfielder, captaining the side in 2008-9 and 2011-12. He was assistant coach from 2016-18, co-head coach with Clarke Dermody in 2019-20 then head coach last season. He won two NPC premiership titles and was runner-up in 2021.

Open side flanker Shane, [Mako No 82] played 73 matches, captaining the side from 2013-16, when they won the NPC championship title. He was assistant coach from 2018-21, adding two NPC premiership titles to his impressive CV.

Andrew has been a part of the Crusaders' coaching team for the past few Super Rugby seasons, Shane being associated with the Highlanders set-up.

The departure of two such influential figures after such a run of success marks the beginning of a new era for the Tasman Mako.

Whoever is recruited to fill their roles will have mighty big boots to step into.