The Southern Inland Rugby Union side missed out on an international-level coach – who, according Blacks president Dan McGreal, took a job with the Fiji sevens team – before locking in Waring-Bryant and McGreal was thrilled to see a local take on the job.

“He’s probably been with the senior club for 12 years or so and played juniors as well,” McGreal said.

“To have someone like that stand up, it’s a real beneficial move for the club and Jinky [Waring-Bryant] has the full support of the committee.”

While the opportunity to coach the Blacks came up by chance for Waring-Bryant, coaching is something the back has always seen himself doing.

“After having a few injuries over the past couple of years, it’s [coaching] been in the back of my head. It’d be something to do to keep around the rugby scene,” Waring-Bryant said.

Waring-Bryant will be helped along with way by McGreal, Enoch Tia, James Kanaley and Keiran McNabb amongst others.

The new coach said he has settled into the role after a few weeks at it.

“It was a bit daunting at the start but it was all good after a few training runs,” Waring-Bryant said.

“I don’t feel like it’s going to be too difficult because all the boys are extremely willing to learn.”

Along with new signings Kanaley and Sean Dodd, Waring-Bryant said the Blacks had acquired a couple more new players.

“One of the new guys is Mitchell White,” Waring-Bryant said.

“He’s from Aggies and plays in the row.

“He’s a pretty handy, tall fella – we’ll be able to get him up in the air.”

The extra signings had provided Waring-Bryant with a selection headache heading into the upcoming Southern Inland season.

“I’d have to say selecting a side,” Waring-Bryant said when asked what his biggest challenge would be.

“We’ll be making sure we pick the right sides for first and second grade.

“We have two full back-lines and a full forward pack, too – we are just missing a couple extra props.

“Everyone is fighting for a position which is what we want.”