Leinster fell to Toulouse 31–22 in the London final of the Investec Champions Cup on Saturday, their third consecutive loss.
The RTÉ Rugby panel, which includes Fiona Coghlan, Stephen Ferris, and Jamie Heaslip, talks about the team’s response to yet another devastating loss in the decider.
NEWS: Ahead of their return to the international arena, where they will play two matches against the Japan XV on Saturday, June 29 and Saturday, July 6, in Japan, New Zealand Rugby (NZR) has unveiled the Māori All Blacks coaching and management staff.
Ross Filipo (Muaőpoko), the assistant coach for the Chiefs, has been chosen the new head coach. Roger Randle (Ngāti Awa) and Greg Feek (Ngāti Kahungunu) will serve as his assistant coaches.
After playing for the Māori All Blacks (formerly known as New Zealand Māori) in 2005 during their historic victory over the British and Irish Lions, Filipo was surprisingly called up to the All Blacks two years later.
After finishing his playing career, Filipo worked as a coach in Japan. In 2019, he returned to New Zealand to take up coaching duties at Waikato Rugby Union. He was named Waikato’s head coach for the National Provincial Championship (NPC) squad in 2021, and that same year, he guided them to their third Premiership victory.
Upon hearing that I had been selected, I was thrilled about the chance to once more contribute to the history of the Māori All Blacks, this time as a coach. I am aware that this role carries a great deal of responsibility, but I promise to do everything in my power to safeguard and maintain our traditions.
“My aspiration is to motivate young Māori through our on-field exploits,” stated Filipo.
As an assistant coach for the Chiefs, Roger Randle has worked closely with Filipo for the past ten years. He has coached for Waikato and spent five years leading Māori All Blacks campaigns. Feek has extensive coaching expertise, having worked with Ireland for nine years. Feek most recently served as the scrum coach for the All Blacks before going back to the Blues in 2023.
“Having two seasoned assistants to work with will be fantastic for my professional development. As I learn as much as I can from them, I want to make sure that I give them a program that helps them succeed as coaches,” Filipo stated.
Professor Farah Palmer of Ngāti Maniapoto, Waikato, who chairs the New Zealand Māori Rugby Board, expressed her satisfaction with the caliber and quality of participants.
“I wish to congratulate each person on their accomplishment, as well as their whānau. Additionally, I’d want to congratulate Ross on being appointed head coach. I’m forward to see how he will prepare the team for the Japan tournament.
“Puawaitanga, or developing Māori through rugby, is one of our pillars in the New Zealand Māori Rugby Strategy. Palmer stated that working on the Māori All Blacks tour will be a fantastic opportunity to promote Māori rugby and Te Ao Māori globally.
Eight people who have been rewarded for their work in senior teams and Super Rugby Pacific roles make up the Māori All Blacks management group.
Northland native Brad Te Haara (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Rangi) was named Māori All Blacks squad manager. As the men’s High Performance Manager and the NPC team manager for his region, he brings a wealth of knowledge to his positions.
Entering his tenth season as team doctor for the Māori All Blacks, Dr. Rawiri Durie (Ngāti Kawhata/Rāngitane) will be joined by Hurricanes Jayson Ross (Ngāti Kahungunu) in his ninth season as a performance analyst, Christos Argus (Chiefs) in his fourth season as the team’s strength and conditioning coach, and Thomas Wardhaugh (Highlanders) in his role as physiotherapist.
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