Uni-Norths Owls Unveils Stellar Coaching Group for 2024 Rugby Season
Uni-Norths Owls Rugby Club is thrilled to announce its formidable Senior Coaching Group for the upcoming 2024 season. This exceptional team, led by Head Coach Lachlan Creighton and Coaching Director Laurie Fisher, promises to build on an already exciting foundation in club rugby.
Senior Coaching Group
Head Coach: Lachlan Creighton
Coaching Director: Laurie Fisher
Assistant Coach: Nick Jones
Assistant Coach: Mick Burrows
Lachlan Creighton, who has just rounded out his coaching calendar for 2023, has completed his first year as Head coach of the Owls Premier Grade side and continued his role as Assistant Coach to the Brumbies U19s, where the side took out the Australian u19s Super Rugby title for 2023.
Laurie Fisher, AKA the ‘Lord’ has been appointed Coaching Director for Uni-Norths in 2024, in a move that heralds an exciting new chapter for the Owls and a homecoming to grassroots rugby. A former captain of the University side, Laurie saw his side to a premiership win for the club back in 1992.
Since then, Laurie has gone on to become a name synonymous with Australian rugby and brings with his return a wealth of experience to the coaching group.
In 2023, Laurie marked his 15th season with the Brumbies, a testament to his enduring commitment to ACT Rugby. His expertise in moulding the Brumbies’ defence and breakdown play led to several Super Rugby finals appearances, a Super Rugby AU title in 2020 and a long list of wallabies.
Fisher was also part of Dave Rennie’s Wallabies staff for the Rugby Championship and Spring Tour in 2022.
Before that, Laurie’s coaching journey took him to Ireland, where he assumed a senior assistant role with Munster in 2008. He returned to the Brumbies in 2012, contributing to the team’s successes under Jake White, including making the Grand Final and defeating the British and Irish Lions in 2013.
A three-year stint with Gloucester in England followed before Fisher’s return to the Brumbies in 2017 to join Dan McKellar’s coaching staff.
Of the recent appointment, Laurie said, “Having finished full-time professional coaching at the end of the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific Season, I now have an opportunity to give back to my club specifically and the game generally.
The Owls have been thriving over the past few years with a strong player base, good on-field leadership, quality coaching and a great crew of volunteer support. I’m hoping to add value to an already quality environment by using my experience and the lessons I’ve learned over 25 years of professional coaching to assist the progression of coaches and performances of all Owls teams. They are an exciting club with strong ambition, great culture and camaraderie.
I look forward to playing a part in their future success.”
The Uni-Norths Owls are excited to welcome home Laurie Fisher. His immense contributions to rugby and his dedication to the development of players continues.
Nick Jones will continue on in his pivotal role as assistant coach to the Owls and will be joined this year by Mick Burrows. Entering his second year as 1st Grade Assistant, Nick will also take on the role of Director of Colts to ensure alignment and strategic vision on the program, retention and recruitment.
Nick’s been a vital contributor to the club as a player and coach for over a decade, with his recent experiences coaching City South Men’s Team, ACT Schoolboys, Brumbies U18s Academy, and his role overseeing the Talented Sports Program at Erindale College providing detailed insight into all areas within the club.
Mick Burrows joins the Owls in 2024 as an Assistant Coach, specialising in scrum, tackle contests and collision / Defence. Mick brings extensive coaching experience in the John I Dent Cup, assisting Canberra Royals to several Premierships, coaching the Brumbies U18s and being a huge catalyst for growth within the Brumbies Super W space. His set piece detail will greatly improve the Owls premier grades and club collectively.
“We’re thrilled to be adding Laurie & Mick to our Senior Coaching Group for 2024. They’re two men who love rugby, are extremely passionate in their coaching, and we feel they’re the right duo to support myself and Nick, as we work to propel our team & club into building sustained success.
Having Laurie present on day 1 of Offseason Training was a surreal moment for all involved.
Welcome home Lord & welcome to our Owls Environment Mick.” Lachie Creighton, Head Coach.
Club president David Luchetti shared his enthusiasm for the appointments.
“Uni-Norths is excited about the 2024 Senior Coaching Group. The Owls have retained Lachlan and Nick and have added decades of coaching experience with the appointment of Laurie ‘Lord’ Fisher as Coaching Director and Mick Burrows as Assistant Coach.
As a former first grade premiership captain and coach, Laurie is a favourite and it will be great to have him back around the club. Mick brings a wealth of coaching experience and is a deeply respected coach in the Canberra region.
Uni-Norths Owls are confident this Coaching Group will lead us to even more success in 2024!”
The club is humming with anticipation as this dynamic coaching group, under the leadership of Lachlan Creighton and Laurie Fisher, prepares to lead Uni-Norths Owls into the 2024 rugby season.
With their combined experience and passion for the game, the future looks promising for the club. #HootHoot!
