Croatia rugby coach Anthony Poša steps down after 12 years of historic success

Anthony Poša hoisted in the air after a Croatia victory (Photo credit: Berislav Rožman)

Croatia men’s rugby head coach Anthony Poša has stepped down from his role after 12 years at the helm, bringing to a close one of the most significant periods in Croatian rugby.

The New Zealand-born coach has decided to focus on his club commitments in England, where he is aiming to guide Yorkshire side Sheffield RUFC to new heights.

“All good things have to come to an end. My heart wanted me to stay with Croatia but my head said this is the right time,” Poša says.

Poša’s tenure with the Croatian Rugby Union spanned more than a decade and included leadership roles across multiple national teams.

In addition to overseeing the men’s 15s side, he also coached the men’s sevens and women’s 15s teams during his time in charge.

Historic promotions in Europe

Under Poša’s leadership, Croatia achieved two massive promotions on the European stage.

In 2022, the men’s 15s side secured promotion to the Rugby Europe Trophy, marking a major milestone for a nation with a limited domestic player base and only a handful of active clubs.

(Photo credit: Berislav Rožman)

The following year, Croatia’s sevens team earned promotion to the Rugby Europe Championship, stepping up to compete against some of the continent’s strongest rugby nations.

These achievements came despite structural challenges, including a small domestic league and a modest player pool. Croatia not only gained promotion but have remained competitive at Trophy level in 15s, consistently performing against more established rugby countries like France, and Great Britain and Ireland.

Poša has often pointed to the resilience and ambition of his players, highlighting their ability to compete above expectations while maintaining an attacking style of play.

Poša watches his side in action (Photo credit: Berislav Rožman)

A New Zealander with Croatian roots

Poša is a second-generation “Croatian-Kiwi”. He was born in New Zealand, while all four of his grandparents were born in Croatia.

His father’s family comes from the village of Pupnat on the island of Korčula, while his mother’s family traces its roots to Pupnat and Vrgorac.

His European rugby journey began in the mid-1990s when he moved to play rugby in Slovenia. During that time he was invited to join the Croatian national team ahead of upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

The move would shape the next chapter of his playing career.

In 1996, Poša relocated to Croatia and joined Makarska Riviera Rugby Club. Over the next three and a half years, the club enjoyed an unprecedented run of success, winning the national league, the Croatian Cup and the Neighbouring Countries Cup.

Poša running out for Croatia against Georgia in Tbilisi (Photo: Supplied)

A decade in the National Side

Poša represented Croatia internationally from 1996 to 2006, continuing to play for the national team even after moving abroad for club rugby.

In 2000, he signed a contract in Scotland but remained committed to Croatia until his international retirement. His final appearance came in a 26-26 draw against Spain in Seville.

Following his playing career in Scotland and England, Poša transitioned into coaching, where he would go on to make a significant impact.

Anthony gives the Croatia women’s team a team talk (Photo: Supplied)

Coaching success in the UK

In England, Poša built a strong coaching reputation. He achieved multiple promotions with Beverley and Doncaster, where he also established a successful full-time academy structure.

At representative level, he guided Yorkshire Under-20s to several National County titles at Twickenham.

At Sheffield RUFC, Poša is enjoying one of the most impressive seasons of his coaching career. After narrowly missing promotion last year, the Yorkshire club have surged to the top of National 2 North, recording 16 wins from 16 matches, 15 of them with a try bonus point.

Poša’s departure marks the end of a transformative chapter for Croatian rugby. Over 12 years, he helped raise standards, build belief and secure historic promotions in European competition.

Anthony talking to HRT in Dubrovnik (Photo: Supplied)

While he now turns his focus fully to club rugby in England, his legacy within the Croatian game is firmly established.