Francis CUMMINS [
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Sat October 9, 2010
Source: www.bradfordbulls.co.ukMick Potter has added to the Bulls backroom staff with the appointment of Francis Cummins to the position of Assistant Coach.
Cummins, who has signed a one year contract, recently left Leeds Rhinos after eighteen years as a player and coach and will work alongside Lee St Hilaire and Head of Physical Performance Geoff Evans. He will commence his contract with the Bulls on November 1st.
Speaking today Francis Cummins is looking forward to joining the Bulls:
"I had a few offers but having met Mick Potter and thought about where Bradford are and the players they have, it was clear this was the right one for me.
"There is a lot of potential at the club without a doubt but everyone will have to play their part in building on that - myself, the coaching staff, the players.
Speaking before he left for a short holiday in Australia Mick Potter said he is delighted with the appointment:
"Francis Cummins is going to add a lot of value to us, both to the coaching staff and to the players.
"He is joining a strong coaching staff with a good mix of personalities. We believe we have a good balance and people who can complement each other, as we do with our playing roster."
Tue July 13, 2010
Source: www.therhinos.co.ukLeeds Rhinos have announced that Assistant coaches Francis Cummins and Willie Poching will be leaving the Engage Super League Champions at the end of the current season.
Both have been integral parts of the club's backroom team for the past three Grand Final glories having had successful playing careers at the Rhinos.
For Cummins it will bring to an end a 17-year relationship with Leeds Rhinos, the past five of which have been as assistant to Tony Smith and then Brian McClennan. Poching, 36, retired a year after Cummins and has been at Headingley Carnegie since joining the club as a player in 2002.
Commenting on his decision to leave the Rhinos, 33-year-old Cummins said, "I believe the timing is right now to confirm my intention to look for a fresh challenge for 2011 and beyond. I have been privileged to spend half my life at this great club but having spent five years as an assistant coach, it is appropriate that I look to take the next step and become a Head Coach. Obviously, there is no vacancy here at the Rhinos and that means I must look elsewhere.
"During my time at the club, I have seen us fight off relegation, change ownership and emerge from a period of underachievement to create a Championship winning squad and mentality.
"The nature of professional sport is that every season, people announce their intentions for the following season before the conclusion of the current campaign. Fortunately, we have a squad in place for 2011 and, having considered my options over the last six months, now is the correct time to announce my plans for next season. I do not have a position to go to at present so there is an element of risk there however I have belief in myself and my abilities thanks to the encouragement I have received down the years here at Leeds. As far as my role at the Rhinos for the 2010 season is concerned, it will definitely be a case of business as usual and we are all striving to reach our goals for the year," added Cummins.
Poching, who was Assistant Coach of Samoa at the last World Cup before becoming Head Coach last season, admitted that it will be a tough day when he finally leaves the Rhinos. "Having been at the Rhinos for eight years, I can honestly say this has been the happiest and most successful period of my rugby career.
"Leeds have been a massive part of mine and my families life and we have immensely enjoyed our time here. I feel very proud of my achievements here, both as a player and as part of the coaching staff, in contributing to the success of the club. When the opportunity to join the Rhinos coaching staff arose four years ago, it was one I took with both hands and I have never looked back. I have learnt a tremendous amount under the previous Head Coach Tony Smith, and now under Brian McClennan.
"After nearly nine years though, it is time to move on, and if I am going to develop further, I need to expand on that knowledge base in a new environment. Like Franny, I do not have a position with another club at present, but I am looking to continue coaching, either as an Assistant coach in Super League or a Head Coach for a National League 1 side.
"However, for now the focus must be to ensure that Leeds finish the season successfully, then to look forward to the new challenges that lie ahead," added Poching.
Leeds Rhinos Chief Executive Gary Hetherington commented, "Francis and Willie have been key parts of this clubs success in recent years. Firstly as players, when they helped changed the culture of the club as senior members of the squad into a winning habit that nurtured young players to fulfil their potential. Then as coaches, alongside Tony Smith and latterly Brian McClennan, as they have guided the club during the most successful period in our history.
"Our policy as a club is to nurture talent, be it players or coaches. As we did with Brian McDermott and Tony Smith, we will always encourage our staff to reach for their full potential even if that means leaving our own organisation. I know that both Francis and Willie are completely committed to the club for the remainder of the season and then it will be appropriate for us to wish them all the best for the future. For now, we are looking forward to competing for the top four in Super League and our huge game with St Helens in the Carnegie Challenge Cup semi final," added Hetherington.
Head Coach Brian McClennan praised both men's contribution to the club. "Franny has been the right hand man for both myself and Tony Smith during an incredible period of success for the club and he is ready to take up the reigns in his own right at a Super League club. I am sure whichever club is fortunate enough to appoint him will be very happy with the progress their club makes under his leadership. Franny is hands on with everything involving the Rhinos first team including field sessions, reviews, previews, tactics and team selection and he has an extensive knowledge base.
"Willie is pretty close to Franny in terms of his readiness for a Head Coaches job. As well as his duties with the first team, he has also looked after our emerging players in the Under 20s, many of whom have proved their quality in recent years by graduating up to Super League. Both of the guys will be integral to our efforts for the remainder of the season and the club will support them as they look to the next chapter of their coaching career," added McClennan.
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 2005 English Super League
Leeds Rhinos
3 games; [View] Round 21 [15 Jul 05] W 54-14 v Salford (H). [BE]
[View] Round 22 [23 Jul 05] W 46-22 v Warrington (A). [BE]
[View] Round 28 [16 Sep 05] W 34-26 v Wildcats (H). [BE]
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Cummins, Francis
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