David Kidwell will not re-apply for the Kiwis’ head coaching job.
“The tough lessons are the ones you learn the most from – and I’ve had a lifetime’s worth of tough
lessons over the past year or so,” Kidwell said.
“With the shakeup of the Kiwis’ set up, that is bound to follow from the review of our World Cup
campaign, if I were to continue as coach I’m sure I would be better positioned to make a positive
contribution to the success of the team going forward.
“I believe the review of our World Cup campaign has been fair. I was given a good hearing by the
panel and while the report identifies my shortcomings, it also highlights many of the things I did
well. I’m in no doubt I’ll be a stronger and better coach, taking on board the panel’s comments.
“Most importantly, from my point of view, the review didn’t come down with a recommendation
that I didn’t deserve another chance.
“However, someone has to shoulder responsibility for the failure of our campaign. I’m putting my
hand up to acknowledge accountability, so our game can move forward.
“The other consideration for me is that it’s obvious if I were to apply for the job and get it, the
controversy that would blow up would be a huge distraction from the task of building a Kiwis side
that can once again be a true contender on the international stage.
“I wish my successor all the very best.”
“The tough lessons are the ones you learn the most from – and I’ve had a lifetime’s worth of tough
lessons over the past year or so,” Kidwell said.
“With the shakeup of the Kiwis’ set up, that is bound to follow from the review of our World Cup
campaign, if I were to continue as coach I’m sure I would be better positioned to make a positive
contribution to the success of the team going forward.
“I believe the review of our World Cup campaign has been fair. I was given a good hearing by the
panel and while the report identifies my shortcomings, it also highlights many of the things I did
well. I’m in no doubt I’ll be a stronger and better coach, taking on board the panel’s comments.
“Most importantly, from my point of view, the review didn’t come down with a recommendation
that I didn’t deserve another chance.
“However, someone has to shoulder responsibility for the failure of our campaign. I’m putting my
hand up to acknowledge accountability, so our game can move forward.
“The other consideration for me is that it’s obvious if I were to apply for the job and get it, the
controversy that would blow up would be a huge distraction from the task of building a Kiwis side
that can once again be a true contender on the international stage.
“I wish my successor all the very best.”
