Tony Benson
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Tony Benson is a New Zealander and the current coach of the United Kingdom Rugby National League Two club London Skolars.
Benson, the former Junior Kiwis coach 2003-2005 and Coach of the Hibiscus Coast Raiders Rugby league team 2001-2005, was appointed in December 2007 to replace Latham Tawhai, who left to become the understudy coach at neighbours Harlequins RL.
Previously, in September 2005, Benson took charge of Leigh Centurions. Leigh's relegation from Super League had been all but confirmed at the time of his appointment and he knew his task would be to lead the club back to the top. He replaced Darren Abram, who left the club in September 2005. In his only season in charge, Benson led the Centurions to cup glory, defeating Hull KR in the Northern Rail Cup final.
Benson parted company with Leigh Centurions after the club's defeat to Batley Bulldogs in the 2006 NL1 play offs. Following the announcement, a number of Leigh's coaching staff and management left the club, resigning to show solidarity with Benson.