Touch New Zealand is pleased to announce the finalised Touch Blacks Leadership Team for the upcoming season, marking an important step in the campaign ahead. Building on the previously confirmed coaching and management group, the NZ Open Women’s and Men’s teams have each strengthened their ranks with the addition of highly respected assistant coaches.

For the NZ Open Women’s team, Elizah Ward joins as Assistant Coach. Ward is no stranger to the Touch Blacks environment, having served in the same role during last year’s Trans-Tasman Test Series in Christchurch. Her experience, insight, and established relationships within the programme make her a valuable asset as the team prepares for the challenges ahead.

On the men’s side, Matthew Hutchinson has been appointed Assistant Coach for the NZ Open Men’s team. Hutchinson’s commitment to high-performance delivery add further depth to a programme striving for excellence on and off the field.

This weekend, all coaches and managers were officially welcomed into their roles at an induction hui, alongside key Touch New Zealand staff including Chief Executive Joe Sprangers and Sport Operations Manager Grant Robertson, who now leads the Pathways & High Performance (P&HP) Programme.

The hui opened with a whakatau, led by Māori Touch NZ Chairperson Finney Davis, setting a tone of culture, unity and purpose. Much of the session focused on connection - coming together as the team behind the teams - and exploring each individual’s “why”, recognising how personal purpose contributes to the collective goal.

With leadership confirmed and connections strengthened, Touch New Zealand is excited to move forward with clarity, collaboration, and a shared commitment to success for the Touch Blacks kaupapa.

TOUCH BLACKS MANAGEMENT TEAMS

OPEN MEN
Head Coach: Luke Chapman 
Assistants: Joel Foster, Matthew Hutchinson 
Manager: Saskia Van Loggerenberg

OPEN WOMEN 
Head Coach: Shane Edwards 
Assistants: Lovey Woodhouse, Elizah Ward 
Manager: Cath Muligan 

OPEN MIXED
Head Coach: Roy Prasad 
Assistant: Mark Hodson 
Manager: Rachel Stratford

Article added: Sunday 30 November 2025