Austin Huns Announce Sevens Coaching Staff

Austin, TX (April 28, 2017) – The Austin Huns are thrilled to announce Danie de Villiers, Jacob Liberman, Steve Robinson, Lomani Tongotongo, and Justin Milan as the 7’s coaching staff for the summer of 2017. The Austin Huns 7’s season kicks off June 17, 2017, at the 20th annual Bloodfest 7’s Tournament in Austin, Texas.



During this time, Austin Huns Elite Head Coach Eugene Eloff will take the position of Director of Rugby and oversee the sevens process, as well as start the planning phase for the 2017–2018 XV's rugby season.



Just last year the Austin Huns made history by making their first appearance in the 7's national tournament and winning the Red River Rugby Conference Championship. With many returning players and an enhanced coaching staff, it is sure to be a thrilling summer of 7’s rugby for the Austin Huns.



The club will be fielding at least three teams: Elite, Development, and Amateur. The Elite team will be coached by Danie de Villiers with the assistance of Jacob Liberman. This is an exciting combination for the Huns. Danie, the current Austin Huns Elite Attack Coach, brings a wealth of 7’s knowledge due to his experience with the Tunisia National Team. Danie led Tunisia in 2009, while on the IRB circuit, to the 7’s World Cup in Dubai. Jacob Liberman, former head coach of the nationally ranked University of Texas 7's program, led the Huns to their first 7’s national tournament appearance in 2016. Jacob is a defensive specialist and game analyst, which has proved to be invaluable. In 2013 he worked as the Performance Analyst for the Philippine National Rugby team during the 2013 Rugby World Cup. Jacob will also oversee the development of players on all three teams.



Steve Robinson will coach the Austin Huns Developmental team with the assistance of Elite XV’s captain Lomani Tongotongo. Steve is the current Austin Huns Amateur Head Coach with D2 and D3. He has had a successful year developing young players, some of which have made their way to the Huns Elite roster. In 2016 Steve helped coach Westlake High School Rugby to three consecutive Texas state championships (2014–2016) after arriving from Australia where he had a long coaching and playing history. Lomani Tongotongo, a native born Tongan who was raised in New Zealand, brings a wealth of knowledge having played rugby at some of the highest levels, such as the Mazda BlueZommerz and Auckland U12-23. Lomani is currently in the process of completing his IRB Level 2 Coaching Certification.



Justin Milan will coach the Amateur team, and the Huns are currently working to fill the assistant position. Justin is a young, energetic coach who brings 7’s and youth coaching experience. Justin is keen on acquiring and maintaining talent.



Christaan (CJ) de Wet, currently Video Analysis and Skills Coach, will be assisting with all three teams on various levels. James de Lacey, current Strength and Condition Coach, will manage the off-season conditioning program for the club and support the 7's program as required.



The Austin Huns are excited about the recently appointed coaching staff and look forward to an exciting rugby season.



About Austin Huns Rugby

The Austin Huns Rugby Football Club was founded in 1972 as one of the first rugby clubs of its kind in central Texas. For more than 40 years, the Huns have developed an organization and a culture that have produced winning teams, first class coaches and players, and a training and competition facility that is unmatched by any other in the region. The club is dedicated to developing athletes for national and international rugby competition, who are also constructive and contributing members of the community. The Austin Huns take pride in their contributions to improving the City of Austin and the culture of athleticism in the United States. Visit www.austinhunsrugby.com for more information.

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Photos provided by Norma Salinas Photography