Muir returns to lead Rebels’ first grade team

A NEW challenge and the chance to return to coaching have led former NSW Country rugby union representative Mick Muir to the Byron Shire Rebels as their first grade coach.

New Rebels president James Boysons has big plans for the club and recently approached the three-time premiership winner to bring him back to the Far North Coast Rugby Union competition.

“I approached him because I thought he would suit the direction the club is heading in,” Boysons said.

“He has coached a few of our guys at representative level and he was keen to jump straight in after I’d spoken to him.”

Muir, who played as a second rower, represented NSW Country in 2011 and won grand finals with the Lennox Head Trojans in the following seasons. He later coached the Trojans and won a third premiership as a player in 2020 before retiring at the end of 2022. Last season, he coached the Far North Coast open men’s team.

The Rebels, formed in 2023 as a joint venture between the Byron Bay and Bangalow rugby union clubs, are working to build their identity through greater community engagement.

The club has an under-16s team that it hopes to develop into future senior players. Muir said he is focused on creating a strong club culture with a long-term vision.

“I love creating positive environments where young men and women can thrive,” he said.

“It’s not just about the senior players; it’s the impact they have on the next generation of Rebels.

“Their leadership and presence shape the future of the club, inspiring juniors to step up, grow and one day become the senior players leading the way.”

Christian Sergiacomi will take on the new role of juniors director of performance, while Otis Floyd will join Muir as an assistant coach.

Sergiacomi coached the club’s under-15 side to a premiership last season and will be crucial in developing the next generation of senior players.

The season kicks off in April.