Willie Anderson (rugby union, born 1955)

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Willie Anderson
Date of birth (1955-04-03) 3 April 1955 (age 68)
Place of birth Sixmilecross, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland
Occupation(s)rugby union coach
Rugby union career
International career
YearsTeamApps(Points)
– Ireland

Willie Anderson (born 3 April 1955) is a rugby union coach and former Ireland international. A lock, Anderson was capped 27 times for the national side between 1984 and 1990, some of which as captain. [1] In one notable appearance as captain against the All Blacks, Anderson led his side into a confrontation with their opponents while they were performing the haka. [2]

Contents

While on a 1980 tour in Buenos Aires, Anderson was imprisoned for three months by the Argentinian authorities after attempting to smuggle a flag from a government building. He was later cleared of "demeaning a patriotic symbol". [3]

In a memorable moment, Anderson along with his French rugby counterpart Jean Condom, unwittingly became the subject of an amusing banner spotted by TV cameras in the crowd during a 5 Nations rugby match at Lansdowne Road in Ireland's championship campaign of 1985. The banner proudly read 'Our Willie's bigger than your Condom!'. [4] Willie is also the father of fashion designer Jonathan Anderson who designed the Super Bowl performance outfit worn by the singer Rhianna in February 2023. [5]

He attended Omagh Academy.

Coaching

After retiring he became assistant coach of Leinster and later the Scottish national team, [6] both under head coach Matt Williams. After a spell as a full-time physical education teacher and rugby coach at Grosvenor Grammar School and later at Sullivan Upper School, Anderson was appointed head coach of Rainey Old Boys in July 2007. [7]

Anderson coaches Coolmine R.F.C.'s senior first XV. They play in Division 1 of the Leinster League. [8] On 22 March 2011, Willie Anderson led Sullivan Upper School to their second Medallion Shield Victory defeating Limavady Grammar School 17–0.

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References

  1. ↑ "Anderson given Scots role". BBC News . 28 May 2004. Retrieved 30 July 2008.
  2. ↑ "Anderson bucks the trend". BBC Sport . 15 November 2001. Retrieved 30 July 2008.
  3. ↑ "NZ tour in turmoil: 6 other tours hit by trouble". The Daily Telegraph . 19 June 2008. Retrieved 30 July 2008.
  4. ↑ O'Donnell, John (28 August 2010). "It was a bit of a kip, but it was our kip". The Irish Times . Retrieved 21 December 2021.
  5. ↑ "Rihanna chose Jonathan Anderson, the son of former rugby international Willie Anderson, to create a striking Super Bowl outfit". Newsletter.co.uk.
  6. ↑ "Anderson appointed Scotland assistant coach". RTÉ . 28 May 2004. Retrieved 21 December 2021.
  7. ↑ "Anderson takes over at Rainey OB". BBC Sport . 17 July 2007. Retrieved 30 July 2008.
  8. ↑ "Anderson takes over at Coolmine". 4 February 2010. Retrieved 4 February 2010.


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