James Hector Love (born 17 January 1953) is a New Zealand rugby union coach and former player. He played as a forward for Marlborough in New Zealand's National Provincial Championship (NPC) and represented the New Zealand Māori team at the international level. After retiring as a player, Love became a coach. He led the New Zealand Māori squad from 1998 to 2001, during which the team recorded a run of 22 consecutive victories.
In September 2001, Love was appointed head coach of the Tonga national rugby union team. He coached Tonga at the 2003 Rugby World Cup, where the side lost all four pool matches but secured a bonus point in a 20–27 defeat to Wales.
Love co‑founded the New Zealand Sports Academy in Rotorua in 1999, alongside Darrall Shelford. Since 2007 he has been involved in coaching in Italy, most notably with Rugby Viadana, leading the club to win the 2006–07 Italian Cup.
Throughout his career, Love has been recognised for his contributions to both New Zealand and international rugby, both as a player and as a coach.
References
- “Jim Love (rugby union)”. Wikipedia, accessed via r.jina.ai.
- “Chance to realise sporting potential”, Stuff.co.nz, 14 October 2009.
Categories: 1953 births; Living people; New Zealand rugby union players; New Zealand rugby union coaches; Māori All Blacks players; Marlborough rugby union players; New Zealand expatriate sportspeople in Tonga; New Zealand expatriate sportspeople in Italy; Tonga national rugby union team coaches.
