‘Sir, can I eat this?’ – legendary sevens rugby coach Gordon Tietjens offers food for thought in new Samoa role
Award-laden former New Zealand coach finding challenge of building up Pacific islanders is very much to his taste
After a decorated 22-year stint at the helm of New Zealand, master coach Gordon Tietjens has provided more than a little food for thought since taking the reins at Samoa.
Tietjens is credited with changing the game when it comes to diet in sevens rugby and while it is yet to show in Samoa’s HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series performances, the Kiwi is making his presence felt.
“They were not training hard enough and they weren’t eating the right food, simple as that,” Tietjens said.
“I had one team member, he said to me : ‘Sir, I train twice a day in Samoa, I eat less food than I do here in New Zealand, and I put on weight.
“‘I’ve beenwith you for three weeks, training twice a day, eating more and I’ve dropped seven kilos.’ “The boys are making huge shifts around fitness and nutrition.”
Tietjens and Samoa make a good match, with the 61-year-old’s boundless sevens knowledge equalled only by his players’ hunger to learn.
“They have such a good attitude towards being coached,” he says. “They’re bursting for information. They’re keen to follow instructions on everything and take direction.
