Touch New Zealand is proud to announce the Touch Blacks & High Performance Management Teams for the upcoming 2024 and 2025 seasons. These teams will play a pivotal role in guiding and supporting our national squads as they prepare to represent Aotearoa at the Trans Tasman tournament in April 2025.

The selection process was thorough and competitive, ensuring the best candidates were chosen for these important roles. The interview panel consisted of industry leaders and experts, including:

• Jody Cameron – HPSNZ Coaching and Te Hāpaitanga Lead
• Isa Nacewa – HPSNZ Performance Team Lead
• Leanne Walker – Chair of the Touch NZ Game Development Panel
• Teena Rhind – Senior Recruitment Consultant
   

We are excited to introduce the management teams for each Touch Blacks squad:

Touch Blacks Women

• Head Coach: Peter McIntyre
• Assistant Coach: Le-Toia Tainui-McIntyre
• Assistant Coach: Elizah Ward
• Manager: Cath Mulligan

Touch Blacks Mixed

• Head Coach: Damian Burden
• Assistant Coach: Mark Hodson
• Assistant Coach: Lovey Woodhouse
• Manager: Rachel Stratford

Touch Blacks Men

• Head Coach: Rahul Das
• Assistant Coach: Michael Cavanagh
• Assistant Coach: Paora Peawini
• Manager: Toni Wall
• Assistant Manager: Kenny Ariaens

Support Staff for All Squads

• Lead Physiotherapist/Medical: Sarah Fanuatanu
• Physiotherapist: Katie Winchester
• Physiotherapist: Rachael Lewis
• Coach Support: Peter Walters
• Performance Nutritionist: Marcia Jerram
• Strength, Speed, Conditioning: Sunsh Singh
   

The Touch Blacks Management Teams are ready to foster team culture, guide player development, and ensure excellence on and off the field. Their leadership and dedication will shape the future of the Touch Blacks and drive success both locally and internationally.

Ngā mihi nui to everyone involved in this process, and congratulations to our new Touch Blacks Management Teams!

Article added: Thursday 21 November 2024