Kiwi Ferns confirm coaching staff for World Cup

In his fifth season at the helm, Kiwi Ferns Head Coach, Ricky Henry, has named an unchanged coaching team. This sees Andrew Auimatagi and David Faiumu both return as Assistant Coaches.

Whilst Faiumu has been with the Kiwi Ferns since 2022, Auimatagi joined the team for the first time last year after taking St Thomas’ of Canterbury College to back-to-back NZRL National Secondary School titles.

Having the same team behind the scenes will offer the squad a great deal of consistency and familiarity, with players and staff alike all connected in their shared vision for the team.

Henry said, “Our coaching team of David Faiumu and Andrew Auimatagi are highly skilled and experienced professionals with deep football knowledge and a shared commitment to excellence.

“Each brings a strong tactical mind and a proven ability to connect players to our unique style of play.

“Proudly representing Kiwi Ferns, our coaches embody the values of Kiwi resilience, unity, and pride. Together, they will ensure our players are prepared to perform on the world stage in 2026.”

The team will be looking to replicate the heroics of the 2023 season, where the Kiwi Ferns found the form that saw them beat the Jillaroos for the first time in 7 years, and consequently take out the inaugural Pacific Championships title.

As Henry heads into his second Rugby League World Cup with the team next year, this international season will provide another solid test against top-quality opposition, before the Kiwi Ferns look to take out their fourth World Cup title across their 30-year history.

The Kiwi Ferns will be taking part in the Pacific Championships to be held later this year, the full schedule to be released.