WITH a new, high-profile coach, a newly launched club complete with its own website and a summer training schedule Hillcrest High School is planning to raise its status in rugby circles next year.

The school club has signed Taranaki Centurian and former Te Awamutu Sport and Waikato under-23 coach Kerry Eynon for 2009.
Already plans are in hand to host a South African secondary school team for a match-up in 2009 and a rugby trip to Australia for senior players.

Coaches have been appointed for four rugby teams - a first XV, plus under-14, under-15 and under-16.
Organisers are seeking players and supporters for the 2009 season.

They expect ambitious players will be more likely to get game time playing with an emerging side than in some of the more recognised rugby schools.

Senior coach Kerry Eynon comes off a successful 2008 season with Te Awamutu Sports and the Waikato under-23 side.
Eynon was one of the stalwarts of Taranaki provincial rugby with a record fo 103 games as an inside back. He joins the likes of Gordon Slater who racked up 176 games for Taranaki, Kieran Crowley (200), Graham Mourie (104), Dave Loveridge (135) and Paul Tito (100).

Hillcrest High already has high academic profile and is respected for the work of students in the arts and drama. Most sports are also catered for at the school.