Date: 8/4/14
CHILE’S Ernie Tobar has accepted an offer to become the first Latino-born head coach of GYG Latin Heat Rugby League.
The GYG Heat, which represents all the combined heritages of Central and South America, is due to make a raft of announcements this week in regard to future events and the formation of important alliances.
New head coach Tobar, previously an assistant for the GYG Heat, grew up an avid Western Suburbs Magpies fan in Sydney and has both played and coached in the Penrith Panthers’ junior representative system.
Aged 41, Tobar was one of the Heat’s leading players in their debut international against the Philippines and has a son, Brandon, also in the Heat squad.
He assumes the head coach role from foundation mentor Robert Burgin, who will continue to be off-field director of the Latin Heat.
The separation of duties allows the team to focus more intensely in both squad preparation and performance, while also maximising the time that can be spent on promotion and expansion of the ‘Rugby League for Latinos’ program.
Those in New South Wales interested in playing for the GYG Latin Heat (of South or Central American ancestry) can contact Ernie on ernietobar@hotmail.com
Players in Queensland or outside regions should contact Robert Burgin on robert@sambatimes.com
To be eligible players must be born in; have parents born in; or grandparents born in one of the following:
Argentina, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, Suriname, Uruguay or Venezuela
