Serbia international team have strengthened their coaching staff with
the appointment of Stuart Wilkinson as a new head coach to link up with
the team ahead of the 2019 UK tour.
Wilkinson brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously
been on the coaching staff at Leeds Rhinos and Wigan Warriors and has
internal experience with Great Britain Academy, England, Wales, France
and Russia.
“I’m really excited about joining such a talented, honest and
hard-working rugby workforce in Serbia. I had no hesitation accepting
SRL offer as I’ve worked with several their experienced coaching staff
over the years”, said Wilkinson.
New SRL head coach is familiar with Serbian players and background.
“Teaming up with some of the experienced players, who have worked at
Warrington, as well as played regular in the successful Balkan super
league, will add to my experience. The players have a massive amount of
experience which they have consistently proved over the years. Belgrade
has a tradition of producing some of the best players in the Balkan
super league and being part of Serbia’s system provides an exciting
challenge to me.”
Wilkinson also took the opportunity to thank his University for the
chance to gain new experience.
“This wouldn’t be possible without the support and cooperation from the
staff at the University of Central Lancashire School of Sport &
Wellbeing. I cannot thank them enough as this provides my PhD in talent
development a rich source of information in high performance
environment.”
SRL secretary general Vladan Kikanovic is pleased to have such a big
name attached to some what of a reclamation project after last year’s
unsuccessful WC Qualifications.
“Stuart has developed his trade under some very good coaches at some
very successful clubs and we’re looking forward to what he will bring to
Serbia. He’s very well thought of within the game and has got a lot of
experience as a coach, so the input he’ll have into the culture here
will be invaluable. I’ve known him for a while now and he has never lost
his enthusiasm for rugby league. He’s a great person to have around the
squad and he’ll have a big part to play in what we are trying to
achieve.”
