Russell, Lauryn Mark unlikely to be India coaches as contract negotiations fall through

Russell, Lauryn Mark unlikely to be India coaches as contract negotiations fall through

Lauryn and Russell Mark

Since the past month speculations had been rife that Australian shooters Russell and Lauryn Mark were to be the new Indian shotgun coaches as part of the National Rifle Association of India’s plan to rebuild the team following the disastrous Tokyo Olympics performance.

FirstSportz had reported that former Olympic champion Russell Mark was the front-runner to be the new Trap coach while his wife Lauryn was likely to be the new High Performance Manager for Shotgun. The same news was also published in a Times of India report.

However FirstSportz has now learnt the the couple is unlikely to join the NRAI coaching staff as contract negotiations with the NRAI and SAI have fallen through.

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A source tells FirstSportz on condition of anonymity: “The remuneration offered and term of 120 days per annum was acceptable to Mr & Mrs Mark, but the contract was rejected after the NRAI changed their minds in regards to the couple traveling to the Italian World Cup and the German Junior World Cup instead insisting the couple attend more domestic training camps within India. The SAI then rescinded the offer for the Marks to travel to and from India and Australia up to three times throughout the term of their annual 120 day contract. The Marks have now formally rejected the employment contract. The two parties have amicably gone separate ways and negotiations and further discussions have totally ceased.“

It is learnt that the NRAI will re-advertise the Trap Coach and the High Performance Manager for Shotgun positions again next month.