Tony Benson (rugby league)

Tony Benson (born 1965) is a rugby league coach from New Zealand.

New Zealand

Benson, coached Bartercard Cup team Hibiscus Coast Raiders from 2001–2005, as well as the Junior Kiwis team from 2003-2005.^[1]

Great Britain

Moving to Britain in September 2005, Benson took charge of Leigh Centurions.^[2] 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 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.

In 2007, Benson coached the Ireland A squad in the four nations championship.^[3] He also led the Irish Wolfhounds on a tour of New Zealand.^[4]

He was appointed head coach of the London Skolars in December 2007 to replace Latham Tawhai, who left to become the understudy coach at neighbours Harlequins RL. Tony Benson left his job at London Skolars at the end of the season due to the inconvenience of travelling from his home in Leigh, Greater Manchester.^[5]

In 2009 he was appointed head coach of Oldham Roughyeds in the British Rugby League National Championship 1.^[1]

Having been sacked by Roughyeds, Benson became the first coach of new side Oxford RLFC. He left the club after one season. Benson subsequently took up a post with Belgium Rugby League as Sport Director.^[6]

References