Willie Anderson (rugby union)

Willie Anderson (born 3 April 1955 in Sixmilecross, Northern Ireland) is a rugby union coach and former Ireland international. A lock, Anderson was capped 27 times for the national side between 1984 and 1990, some of which as captain.[1] In one notable appearance as captain against the All Blacks, Anderson led his side into a confrontation with their opponents whilst they were performing the haka.[2]

While on a 1978 tour in Buenos Aires, Anderson was imprisoned for three months by the Argentinian authorities after attempting to smuggle a flag from a government building. He was later cleared of "demeaning a patriotic symbol".[3]

In a memorable moment, Anderson along with his French rugby counterpart Jean Condom, unwittingly became the subject of an amusing banner spotted by TV cameras in the crowd during a 5 Nations rugby match at Landsdowne Road in Ireland's championship campaign of 1985. The banner proudly read 'Our Willie's bigger than your Condom!' Incidentally the match ended 15-15.

Coaching

After retiring he became assistant coach of Leinster and later the Scottish national team, both under head coach Matt Williams. After a spell as a full-time physical education teacher and rugby coach at Grosvenor Grammar School and later at Sullivan Upper School, Anderson was appointed head coach of Rainey Old Boys in July 2007.[4]

Anderson coaches Coolmine R.F.C.'s senior first XV. They play in Division 1 of the Leinster League.[5] On 22 March 2011, Willie Anderson led Sullivan Upper School to their second Medallion Shield Victory defeating Limavady Grammar School 17-0.

References

  1. "Anderson given Scots role". BBC News. 28 May 2004. Retrieved 2008-07-30.
  2. "Anderson bucks the trend". BBC Sport. 15 November 2001. Retrieved 2008-07-30.
  3. "NZ tour in turmoil: 6 other tours hit by trouble". The Daily Telegraph. 19 June 2008. Retrieved 2008-07-30.
  4. "Anderson takes over at Rainey OB". BBC Sport. 17 July 2007. Retrieved 2008-07-30.
  5. "Anderson takes over at Coolmine". 4 February 2010. Retrieved 2010-02-04.

External links

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