Wellington have re-appointed Andre Bell as coach © Getty Images

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Teams: New Zealand | Wellington

Andre Bell has been re-appointed Wellington coach after filling the role on a temporary basis from August following the departure of Jamie Joseph to the Highlanders.

Bell, the former Bay of Plenty coach, led the team to the 2010 ITM Cup play-offs, before eventually missing out 57-41 in a thrilling semi-final in Christchurch. Bell said he was delighted at the prospect of coaching Wellington for a full season.

"Where the Wellington Lions finished this year is where we would like to get to as a starting point for our 2011 campaign," he said.

"Coming in mid-way through this year meant there were a number of changes for the players. They had to understand different ways of coaching, but then momentum started to pick up."

The goal was to win the ITM Cup, and to ensure continuity between the Hurricanes Super 15 franchise and Wellington, Bell said.

"This season is going to be about bringing a lot of younger players and academy players through. The depth we have in the squad is important."