Former Meads Cup-winning captain Luke Herden has been tasked with getting North Otago back to the promised land.
Herden was yesterday announced as the Old Golds’ new head coach, replacing Jason Forrest, who stepped down after six seasons in the Heartland Championship.
He will be joined by legendary former prop Ralph Darling, who returns as assistant coach, and former halfback Kilifi Fangupo, who will be defensive coach.
Intriguingly, the announcement also refers to the Old Golds getting "technical advisory support" from both the Highlanders and Leinster Rugby.
The Irish connection is through new chief executive Sene Naoupu, who enlisted former Ireland coach Joe Schmidt to be on the interview panel for the role.
Herden was at second five and captain when North Otago won the Meads Cup in 2010, and he was at fullback in the great 2002 team that won the old NPC third division final.
The St Clair School deputy principal later coached the Otago sevens team, Otago under-19 and the Southern premier club, and spent a year with the Old Golds as an assistant.
"We have a fantastic community that gets behind its team no matter what," Herden said in a statement.
"I have incredible memories playing for North Otago, some of my happiest and most rewarding moments in rugby. It’s a great honour to lead this proud region, and I’m excited to begin this next chapter with the players and wider community."
Darling is a beloved figure in the local rugby community, and has built widespread coaching experience across club and representative levels since his playing days ended with over a century of caps.
Fangupo coaches at John McGlashan College and has also built experience at club and age grade levels.
"We are excited to have Luke, Ralph and Kilifi leading our Heartland team," Naoupu said.
"With their experience, dedication and deep ties to the region, we believe they will build on North Otago rugby’s legacy."
Naoupu said the union was "grateful for the support of the Highlanders and Leinster Rugby, whose technical advisory input will be invaluable in helping us achieve our goals".
"Their expertise and commitment to fostering talent are deeply appreciated as we work together to strengthen North Otago rugby."
The Heartland Championship begins on August 16 with North Otago’s first match on the road against Whanganui away. Their home games will, in a blast from the past, be at the showgrounds while Whitestone Contracting Stadium is being redeveloped.
