Current UC Santa Barbara Head Coach Tim Lewis has re-established his links to New Zealand rugby by taking on a role with the internationally renowned Inside Running Academy.

Lewis's role includes the promotion and marketing of the academy within North America as well as attending the academy in New Zealand in a coaching capacity each year. 

"We are delighted to have Tim on board as our representative in North America. He has an intricate understanding of rugby in North America, that coupled with his playing and coaching experience in New Zealand, and in particular living and coaching here in the Bay of Plenty, makes him the perfect fit" said Mike Rogers, Inside Running Academy Director.

The Inside Running Academy is a joint venture between Inside Running (an international sports management company) and the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union and provides academy stays from four to 32 weeks, commencing on the 4^th of February and running through to mid September.  The staff includes All Blacks Strength and Conditioning Coach, Nic Gill, former Wasps and Bristol professional player Dan Ward-Smith and current Bay of Plenty ITM Cup coach, Kevin ‘Herb’ Schuler

"I am really excited about re-establishing my link to New Zealand rugby, and rubbing shoulders with the caliber of people such as Nic, Dan and Herb," said Lewis. "I also know Mike Rogers really well; he captained my championship side back in 2008 that Errol Brain and I coached."

The Inside Running Academy is looking to increase its presence in North America.

"There is no doubt that we produce athletes that can excel at the top level of rugby union, and furthermore produce athletes who are prepared to work extremely hard to get there," said Lewis. "What the Inside Academy offers is the right direction, coaching, club rugby experience and the possibility of earning a professional contract for those select athletes. We all can agree that playing rugby in NZ for a year will improve one’s rugby.  Now imagine those benefits plus having the expertise of our academy on a daily basis not to mention living in one of the most beautiful rugby mad towns in the world."