Colourful coach just the tonic for Redmen
GRAFTON Redmen women’s assistant coach Mitch Drinkwater knows rugby… and knows how to stand out in a crowd.
He has coached at a high level, but it’s his Saturday rugby attire that catches plenty of attention.
With his wide-brimmed straw hat adorned with flowers and bright short-sleeved shirt, he stands out like a strawberry in a bowl of peas. But don’t be fooled, this guy can coach.
From the outside Drinkwater demonstrates a cool demeanour, he never seems to get flustered, even when a title is on the line.
When he rocks up on game day, he greets everyone with his catch-phrase, “Happy Rugby Day.”
“I don’t get nervous and try and stay relaxed…after all I’m not playing,” Drinkwater said.
“I’ve coached and played in plenty of grand finals, and I don’t get uptight about them.
“It might sound bad, but for me it’s just another game of rugby.”
Along with the rest of the girl’s coaching staff, Drinkwater brings plenty of experience to the table. And against Port Pirates on Saturday, he is hoping the girls can deliver the Club’s first senior premiership since 2018.
“Port are a great side right across the park,” he said. “We won’t be changing too much. Now is not the time to change up things.
“We’ll continue to execute what we’ve practised at training each week and we’ve been working on the girls having more control on the field.
“Obviously we are out to win the game. Things will have to fall our way and the bounce of the ball could be a major factor.”
Drinkwater admitted the side has improved massively this season and added the team’s attitude has been an overwhelming factor to their success in 2023.
“I think the biggest change this season is we have players that want to be here. They want to train and have success,” he said.
“They seem to get on really well, and there is plenty of competition for spots.”
So back to the Hawaiian shirt and hat. When did you decide to become a trendsetter?
“It started back in 2016 when I was coaching on the Central Coast with the under seventeen girls’ side,” Drinkwater explains.
“On went the Hawaiian shirt, followed by the flowers on the hat. I actually found it pretty handy when I am at airports or other crowded venues…I’m easy to find.”
