Wayne Marsters has resigned from his position as rugby manager at the UAE Rugby Federation (UAERF) in order to take up the role of coach educator and developer with the Canterbury Rugby Football Union.

The New Zealander, who leaves the UAERF two-and-a-half years into the post, will end a 14-year association with the Gulf that has seen him act as player, coach and administrator when he departs Dubai on May 15.

Marsters’ new job will see him work with coaches at all levels of the Canterbury set-up, from the youth programme right through to the ITM Cup side, which is the primary feeder team for Super Rugby’s Crusaders.

“It is a really good role,” he said. “It’s kind of two-fold really. It’s coaching coaches with standard coaching courses like we do here – we do IRB ones here whereas the New Zealand Rugby Union have their own set of courses – and the area that I’m really looking forward to. 

"The other part of the job, is working with developing the coaches in their performance programmes.

“So I will be working with the coaches in their sevens programme, in their under-20s programme and their feeder representative teams in the ITM Cup.

“It is really something I can get my teeth into.”

Having lived in the region for so long, Marsters admits he will leave with a heavy heart and is full of gratitude for the role played in his own development by the UAERF.

“I wouldn’t have got this job had I not had these years back working for the UAE,” said Marsters, who returned to the country in October 2011 following a year coaching in Iran.

“I think the IRB [coaching courses] that I have done have really helped. I have only been able to do those courses and be involved in the IRB stuff because of the federation encouraging me and supporting me to do those things.”

Qais Al Dhalai, UAERF secretary general, said: “I am sad to see Wayne leave the UAE rugby family but happy to witness Canterbury seeking UAERF calibre.

"We thank him for his commitment and contribution to the development of both our sevens and XVs players as well as the growth of UAE Rugby from an association to a federation.”