By Stu Piddington

Cedric Coll is a man for all seasons after chalking up more than 200 games as manager of the South Canterbury senior rugby team.

The straight shooting Coll has been involved with the side for more than 15 years, and managed with 13 different coaches.

During that time he has had to use all his well-developed man management skills to keep things ticking over.

The straight shooting Cedric Coll has been involved with the South Canterbury Heartland side for more than 15 years.

Outside the regular managerial duties, Coll has been called on to play peacemaker and appeared successfully in front of the NZ Rugby judiciary to twice get players off suspensions, after receiving red cards.

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The 69-year-old started with coaches Peter Walsh and Noel Lyne back in 1988, having previously been involved with the South Canterbury colts squad.

TETSURO MITOMO/FAIRFAX NZ

Cedric Coll was made a life member of South Canterbury Rugby Union in 2017. (File pic)

Then came Peter Connor and Bill Johnson, Kevin Gloag and Ray Ramsay, followed by a year each with Colin Tarrant and Duncan Bell, then Marty Taylor and John Chapman.

From 2001-2003 Coll was with Steve Tarrant and Grant McFarlane, which included winning the third division in 2001.

Four years ago, he got the call to come out of retirement from Barry Matthews and McFarlane, and after some gentle arm twisting he was back.

It say a lot for the respect Matthews held for Coll as Matthews was one of two players he first managed, along with Steve Tarrant, who then invited him back to be part of their management group. 

Matthews said Coll had a great way with players of all persuasions.

"It doesn't matter where they come from or what they do, Ced can bring everyone together. His man management skills are second to none."

Coll said the biggest change over the past 30 years was the amount of paper work required during the game.

"Back when I started you only went off for a serious injury, nowadays it's a paper war during a game and you can't get it wrong with substitutions."

He has also become an expert in texting and messaging, with phone calls reserved for serious matters. He also ensures loan players are kept in the loop, as well keeping the coaches up-to-date.

"Just as well I'm retired because it's almost a full time job."

Coll joked that the players hadn't changed much.

"A few still need a rev up and others are brilliant.

"There were also plenty of characters along the way but some of that is better not said."

The highlights include winning the third division in 2001 and international games against South African teams - including Orange Free State - and Fiji.

"Back in 1993 we beat Counties, in Timaru, and Northland, there were some big crowds in those days."

Under his watch, no players had ever been left behind while on tour - but Coll admitted a few had chased a rolling bus.

"Give them a time and then it's their lookout to be there."

Coll has also seen two coaches sacked in his time; mid-season.

"There has been a bit of everything but I have really enjoyed it."

He has also managed three South Canterbury sides that have challenged for the Ranfurly Shield and played against Canterbury, Otago and Southland on three occasions each.

Coll has also seen six centurions capped - the latest being front rower Matt Fetu.

The long-serving manager started his playing career as a fleet-footed winger in Invercargill.

"I worked out I was better suited in management."

Now in his final year as manager, Coll said the only thing missing was the Meads Cup, which would be the icing on the cake.

"It would cap off a great four years with Ratty [Matthews] and Mac [McFarlane]."

Coll's South Canterbury XV (from 15): Andre Bell, Craig Dorgan, Brendan Laney, Steve Tarrant (c), Stephen Todd, Barry Fairbrother, Barry Matthews, John Mawhinney, Steve Wills, John Simpson, Andrew Milne, John Gregan, Russell Morgan, Greg Hand (vc), Gerard Coughlan. Substitutes: Simon Richards, Matt Fetu, Tim Gresham, Nick Strachan, Willie Wright, Graeme Dempster, Scott Hewson, David Hunter.

Article added: Thursday 18 October 2018