Ex-Silver Fern has role with ORFU

Belinda Colling.
Belinda Colling.
Former Silver Fern Belinda Colling has turned her silky skills to helping the province’s rugby players be the best they can be.

Colling represented her country at netball 91 times from 1996 to 2006.

She was part of the 2003 world championship team and helped the Silver Ferns claim gold at the Melbourne Commonwealth Games 11 years ago. She retains a strong interest in the code and is part of the Sky Sport commentary team.

But earlier this year, Colling took on another role. She works part-time as a personal development manager for the Otago Rugby Football Union.

Colling could not be reached for comment but ORFU general manager Richard Kinley said she was making a big impact in the role.

"From my perspective, it is a role which adds tremendous value to the union," Kinley said.

"In the past, it has been a shared role between the Highlanders and Otago rugby. And Pete Sinclair, who was previously in the role until he retired, it was hard for him to have the time to spread across both organisations and work to a level that Belinda is now able to work at."

The position is funded through New Zealand Rugby and the New Zealand Rugby Players Association.

Colling works directly with the contracted players and the players on the pathway towards becoming professional rugby players.

She provides advice on a range of matters from professional and financial development to risk awareness.

"A big part of it is integrity education. So that’s anti-corruption, anti-doping, supplement use, illicit drugs and prescription medication of course."

Colling also provides some education around mental wellbeing. But the core role is preparing players for a life as a professional rugby player.

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