NEW CHALLENGE: Former King Country Rams prop Carl Carmichael has jumped on board to coach Piopio for 2023. PHOTO SUPPLIED
HE was closing in on 100 games for the Taumaranui Eels and 50 King Country matches, however Carl Carmichael’s rugby career has taken a different route. He was forced to retire earlier this season due to a neck issue, which left him just short of the 50-game milestone for King Country Rams. That retirement led to him helping as the set piece coach for the remainder of the representative campaign and now it’s seen him move into a role that’s a bit bigger. “I wanted to play for another couple of years to reach those milestones but unfortunately the body had other ideas. As a player I wouldn’t have played for anyone else other than the Eels but as a coach, you have to take the chances that pop up and I’ve been given a good one here with Piopio. “It’s certainly not how I wanted to end my playing time, but it is one of those things and I am looking forward to the challenge of coaching.” Carmichael said he’s excited to rip in with the Piopio side. “They’re a great bunch of blokes and that’s what won me over and convinced me to coach them. They are a good side. “It’s often harder coming in and making changes and adding your own feel to things when a side is going well, and Piopio were beaten in the final last year and won it two years ago.” Coaching is something Carmichael wanted to get into when he finished on the paddock. “I have always wanted to get into coaching. I could be useless at it, but you don’t know if you don’t give these things a try. “I have fully committed to it as well. I don’t want to be one of those people who says they commit and then only do a half job; I want to make sure I am giving it a lot of time and making it worthwhile for all parties involved.” His goal is simply for Piopio to return the trophy to the club. “I want us to do well. If I didn’t think I could do well with the guys, then I wouldn’t have bothered taking it. It’s going to be a good challenge but one I am fully up for.” He is excited with the talent at his disposal with Piopio. “They have a very good strong squad. I am hoping they buy into what I want to coach but they play a good brand of rugby, and I don’t see myself changing much.” They have a muster this weekend and Carmichael hopes for a decent turnout as they look ahead to next year. Carmichael has had a decorated career, he represented the New Zealand Heartland XV on nine occasions, while donning the Taranaki jumper 53 times and even turned out for Tasman in what was his NPC debut in 2006 and was coached by the likes of Colin Cooper, whom Carmichael would no doubt have learned plenty from. Carmichael, who loved the technical aspects of a scrum hoped to remain involved with King Country next season. “If they want me involved again, I would love to be part of it. That team is a big part of me and staying involved like that is a way of giving back.” Piopio club member Ben Draper said they were “chuffed” with the acquisition of Carmichael. “The club is absolutely stoked to have Carl on board as our head coach. Attracting a man with his playing experience is very exciting for the development of our players and the direction of our team.” With Carmichael at the helm, you can expect Piopio to field a formidable scrum in 2023. NEW CHALLENGE: Former King Country Rams prop Carl Carmichael has jumped on board to coach Piopio for 2023. PHOTO SUPPLIED
