Stephen Jones talks of 'steep learning curve' on coaching career journey

Newcastle Red Bulls head coach Stephen Jones has hailed the positive impact that troubled Super Rugby Pacific outfit Moana Pasifika has had on his coaching career.

Jones joined the Red Bulls as a senior assistant coach in November after spending a season with the side based in Albany, Auckland, and became head coach at Kingston Park until the end of the season in March.

The former Wasps, Scarlets and Wales attack coach admits that working for Moana Pasifika was a steep learning curve that has stood him in good stead over the last month in the North East after taking over from Alan Dickens.

“I loved it. It was incredible. Great experience. I love the tournament, love the style of play, love the people I worked with. It was just, you know, completely different to anything I’d experienced before. So, I look back at it with fond memories.

“It’s 100 per cent made me a better coach. Learning a different style of play. You are always looking to grow yourself, but yeah, there’s a lot of different challenges, and it was a steep, steep learning curve out there, but the experience was hugely positive.

“If you go coaching in a different league, understanding different cultures, different styles of play, and different philosophies, it just opens your mind, and grows you as a person.

“And you understand there is more than one way to do things properly as well. Any experience you have that makes you, challenges you, and makes you better is a positive experience. It was great for my family as well,” he said.

Jones, who is a month into being the head man at Newcastle, admits that he is enjoying the experience even though it’s more full-on than being an assistant coach.

“I’ve enjoyed it. I’ve learned a lot, that’s for sure.

“It’s been a great experience and I’m very fortunate to work with the people I do from the staff perspective. Everything is well-run, and every department is efficient, which makes my job far easier.

“It’s obviously a bit more to think about and a few more phone call conversations later on in the day. There’s a bit more going on as opposed to being the assistant, that’s for sure.

“Professional sport is tough, but ultimately, it’s a great job, isn’t it? We have to remind ourselves of that and be grateful for the opportunity that we’ve been given,” added Jones.