Meet our extended team of experts

As one of the foremost rugby schools in the world, we enjoy an established relationship with experienced and esteemed professional rugby coaches. Our extensive networks have gained us the support of high profile sportspeople across the globe.

Through Te Kaihanga Sports Trust we also offer a youth mentoring programme -  the Rangatahi Development Programme.
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Our participants will communicate with and learn from successful role models, with genuine real-world experience, in all codes.

GUEST COACHES

Wayne ‘Buck’ Shelford

  • Ex-All Black Captain
  • Māori All Black
  • Auckland and North Harbour Representative
  • Buck is the only undefeated All Black Captain who brings specialist knowledge in forward play and great mentoring skills
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​Frano Botica

  • Ex-All Black, Māori All Black and North Harbour Representative
  • Kiwi League
  • NZ Warriors & Wigan Representative
  • Frano provides specialist kicking and goal kicking expertise, including techniques, methods and training systems to improve accuracy and success
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Dr Farah Palmer

  • Ex-Black Fern
  • Captained the Black Ferns to three consecutive World Championship titles (1998, 2002 and 2006)
  • Completed a Bachelor of Physical Education (with Honours), followed by a PhD in sports sociology which she completed at Otago University in 2000
  • Senior Lecturer in Sports Management at Massey University
  • Director of the Māori Business Research Centre at Massey University from 2003 to 2006
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Matt Te Pou

  • Former coach of the New Zealand Māori rugby union team
  • Former Super 12 Assistant Coach to Chiefs
  • When coaching the New Zealand Māori team Matt and Jim achieved a world record - 26 wins in a row
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Kiwi Searancke

  • Former Waikato NPC player
  • Coach/Assistant Coach for Waikato
  • Coach Glasgow Warriors, Poverty Bay
  • Assistant Coach New Zealand Women's Black Ferns
  • Irish Rugby Football Union National Academy Coach ​

Tawera Nikau

  • Waikato and Auckland rugby league representative
  • Former player for York Wasps, Sheffield Eagles, Castleford Tigers, Cronulla Sharks, Melbourne Storm and Warrington Wolves
  • Former player for the New Zealand Kiwis and New Zealand Māori representative teams
  • Current New Zealand Kiwis selector
  • In 2008 Nikau was inducted as one of the NZRL Legends of League and Carrington Tigers Hall of Fame
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Hika Reid

  • Former All Black (1980-86), playing 40 games and nine test matches
  • Played for NZ Māori, Bay of Plenty and Wellington provinces
  • Coached professionally in New Zealand, England and Ireland and has returned to New Zealand to continue his contribution to Māori rugby

TESTIMONIAL

"My time at the New Zealand Sports Academy was one of the most memorable experiences of my life. Playing rugby in New Zealand had always been a goal of mine and upon searching for ways to do this, I found the Academy. It met all of my expectations.

Although I was only there for four weeks, I was able to improve my skills and fitness drastically due to the high level coaching from Darrel and the tough training regimen. Monday to Thursday at the Academy would consist of tough weights sessions alongside skill, fitness and speed sessions, all of which enabled me to see a huge improvement in all of these areas over the month.

I played a couple of games for Rotorua U21s, as set up by the Academy. I even got to captain my last game, which was an incredible experience. Being an international student I received position-specific coaching sessions from Darrel while the domestic students attended class. This was invaluable as we covered many aspects including tackle technique, breakdown work, foot work and line-out throws. Darrel also introduced me to the Māori style of running rugby, which emphasises handling and footwork (even if you're a front rower), which has taken my game to the next level. As a result, I noticed a huge improvement in my attacking game upon my return to England.

In addition to the rugby, the Academy also ensures you experience Māori culture and various other attractions of Rotorua.

During my time there I was lucky enough to watch a Chiefs game, go whitewater rafting and experience Te Puia Geothermal Site and Māori Village, all of which were amazing experiences.
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​The Academy was the highlight of my trip to New Zealand and I would whole-heartedly recommend it to anyone who wants to experience rugby in New Zealand.”

PETER DAVIES, NORTHAMPTON, UK