FORMER ST GEORGE FULLBACK BRIAN JOHNSON APPOINTED HEAD COACH OF AIS/ARL RUGBY LEAGUE PROGRAM
30 July 2001
Former St George fullback Brian Johnson has been appointed as the head coach of the AIS/ARL rugby league program, which aims to develop the game further in regional and rural areas.
The joint venture between the AIS and ARL will provide targeted programs for rural and regionally based athletes between 16 and 18 years of age (secondary years 11 and 12) delivered in their home environment.
Johnson, who spent seven years in charge of English Rugby League Club Warrington, is currently the St George-Illawarra first division coach and assistant first-grade coach. He played over 150 first-grade games with St George and the Roosters winning a grand-final in 1979 with the Dragons.
Johnson will oversee the program with a number of rurally and regionally based 'mentor' coaches identified to monitor individual players and provide feedback from the head coach as required.
The ARL Chairman Colin Love said Johnson's vast experience in the development of junior rugby league players would prove invaluable to the AIS/ARL program.
"I'm sure Brian's appointment will greatly enhance the AIS/ARL rugby league program in helping to build Australia's future in the rugby league arena through the development of talented junior players," Mr Love said.
"His experience in planning, organising and implementing a comprehensive coaching program for elite athletes will ensure that athletes are exposed to the best development coaching available".
The Director of the AIS, Michael Scott said he was delighted that the institute's world-class expertise will be used to benefit rugby league in rural and regional Australia.
"The AIS plays a vital role in our international sporting successes through the delivery of 'world best practices' across all areas and disciplines," Mr Scott said.
"We're delighted to be involved with the ARL in this exciting partnership which will include two camps being held at the AIS annually".
(Attached is a profile of Brian Johnson)
*The AIS is a major program of the Australian Sports Commission.
BRIAN JOHNSON
Relevant Coaching Experience
| 2001 | Assistant NRL Coach and First Division Coach, St George-Illawarra Dragons |
| 2000 | Coach, St George-Illwarra Steelers, First Division |
| 1999 | Head Coach, Illawarra Steelers, First Division and Junior Representative teams |
| 1996-1998 | Assistant NRL Coach, Parramatta RLFC |
| 1988-1995 | Manager and Head Coach, Warrington RLFC, England |
Level 2 Accreditation or Equivalent and Relevant Academic Qualifications
| 2000 | Currently studying for Masters Degree in Business Administration, Wollongong University |
| 1988 | British Rugby League Coaching Scheme Level 3 |
| 1988 | ARL National Coaching Scheme Level 1 and 2 |
| 1979 | Diploma of Health and Physical Education, Wollongong College of Advanced Education. |
