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Willie Anderson (rugby union, born 1955)

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Willie Anderson
Date of birth (1955-04-03) 3 April 1955 (age 69)
Place of birthSixmilecross, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland
Occupation(s)rugby union coach
Rugby union career
International career
Years Team Apps (Points)
– Ireland

Willie Anderson (born 3 April 1955) is a rugby union coach and former Ireland international. A lock, Anderson was capped 27 times for the national side between 1984 and 1990, some of which as captain.[1] In one notable appearance as captain against the All Blacks, Anderson led his side into a confrontation with their opponents while they were performing the haka.[2]

While on a 1980 tour in Buenos Aires, Anderson was imprisoned for three months by the Argentinian authorities after attempting to smuggle a flag from a government building. He was later cleared of "demeaning a patriotic symbol".[3]

In a memorable moment, Anderson along with his French rugby counterpart Jean Condom, unwittingly became the subject of an amusing banner spotted by TV cameras in the crowd during a 5 Nations rugby match at Lansdowne Road in Ireland's championship campaign of 1985. The banner proudly read 'Our Willie's bigger than your Condom!'.[4] Willie is also the father of fashion designer Jonathan Anderson who designed the Super Bowl performance outfit worn by the singer Rihanna in February 2023.[5]

He attended Omagh Academy.

Coaching

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After retiring he became assistant coach of Leinster and later the Scottish national team,[6] both under head coach Matt Williams. After a spell as a full-time physical education teacher and rugby coach at Grosvenor Grammar School and later at Sullivan Upper School, Anderson was appointed head coach of Rainey Old Boys in July 2007.[7]

Anderson coaches Coolmine R.F.C.'s senior first XV. They play in Division 1 of the Leinster League.[8] On 22 March 2011, Willie Anderson led Sullivan Upper School to their second Medallion Shield Victory defeating Limavady Grammar School 17–0.

References

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  1. ^ "Anderson given Scots role". BBC News. 28 May 2004. Retrieved 30 July 2008.
  2. ^ "Anderson bucks the trend". BBC Sport. 15 November 2001. Retrieved 30 July 2008.
  3. ^ "NZ tour in turmoil: 6 other tours hit by trouble". The Daily Telegraph. 19 June 2008. Retrieved 30 July 2008.
  4. ^ O'Donnell, John (28 August 2010). "It was a bit of a kip, but it was our kip". The Irish Times. Retrieved 21 December 2021.
  5. ^ "Rihanna chose Jonathan Anderson, the son of former rugby international Willie Anderson, to create a striking Super Bowl outfit". Newsletter.co.uk.
  6. ^ "Anderson appointed Scotland assistant coach". RTÉ. 28 May 2004. Retrieved 21 December 2021.
  7. ^ "Anderson takes over at Rainey OB". BBC Sport. 17 July 2007. Retrieved 30 July 2008.
  8. ^ "Anderson takes over at Coolmine". 4 February 2010. Retrieved 4 February 2010.
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