Springbok flyhalf Manie Libbok is set to work under two of Australia’s greatest halfbacks, with Will Genia and Quade Cooper confirmed as part of the revamped coaching team at Hanazono Kintetsu Liners.
The Wallabies legends – who both played for the Division 2 Osaka-based side in recent years – have returned to the club ahead of the 2025-26 domestic season, but now in coaching roles. Genia takes up the role of skills coach, while Cooper becomes the team’s attack coach.
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The high-profile duo will mentor a new-look Liners squad that includes Libbok. The move sees the former Stormers star link up with compatriots Burger Odendaal and Ryno Pieterse, as well as international recruits such as Peter Umaga-Jensen and Kiran McDonald.
The Liners have undergone a major rebuild after losing out in a two-leg promotion-relegation series against the Honda Heat last season. Libbok is expected to play a central role in their push to return to Division 1, backed by an all-star coaching team that also includes defence coach Tai Lavea, forwards coach Ross Filipo, and club stalwart Tsuyoshi Murata.
Genia and Cooper’s return ends speculation over their playing futures, with both now fully committed to coaching. The pair spent six seasons with the Liners and are already into their second week of pre-season preparations.
The new season kicks off on Saturday, 13 December, with all eyes on how Libbok adapts under the guidance of two former greats of the game.
Photo: Jonathan Wood/Getty Images
