Auckland Rugby takes another step in supporting their High Performance and advancing female pathways with the appointment of a new Head Coach of New Zealand’s most successful women’s rugby team.

Willie Walker has been appointed Head Coach of the Auckland Storm for the 2021 Farah Palmer Cup season. Walker joins Auckland Rugby following an extensive coaching and playing career in New Zealand and around the world.

As a player, Walker began his professional career with the Auckland Sevens team in 1996. The New Zealand Maori international made 22 appearances in Super Rugby for the Highlanders and played nine seasons with North Harbour, Otago, and Counties Manukau in the ITM Cup*.

The Kings College old boy spent 2000-2011 playing overseas, making 30 appearances for Worcester and 46 appearances for Gloucester, scoring 297 points.

Walker returned to New Zealand to play for Counties Manukau in his ninth season of NPC rugby before turning his knowledge and passion for rugby into the coaching and development area, where he has been involved in Black Ferns trail selection and Head Coach of the Women’s NZ Barbarians.

Walker will cross the bridge from North Harbour Rugby where he was Head Coach of the Women’s 7s and Assistant Coach of the Farah Palmer Cup team.

Head of High Performance, Ben Meyer is excited about the inclusion of Walker in the Auckland Storm coaching team.

“Willie was a world-class player on the field and has excelled in the coaching space in recent years. I’m looking forward to seeing Willie share his vast coaching and playing knowledge with our Auckland Storm team.”

The appointment of Walker as Head Coach of the Auckland Storm further strengthens the four key focus areas of Auckland Rugby. One of which is to be better supported in High-Performance while also enhancing player pathways, in particular, for female athletes.

CEO of Auckland Rugby, Jarrod Bear is confident that Walker’s appointment will assist in building Auckland’s flagship Women’s team, who narrowly missed out on a Final appearance in the 2020 season to eventual Farah Palmer Cup winners Canterbury.

“Willie already has a record of achievement as both a player and a coach. As Head Coach of the Auckland Storm, Willie has a great opportunity to advance our team’s programme and performance during this exciting period of growth for female rugby” said Jarrod Bear.

Walker will join Assistant Coach, Anna Richards and the Storm in preparation for the upcoming Farah Palmer season. The start date of the Farah Palmer Cup presented by Bunnings Warehouse is soon to be confirmed by New Zealand Rugby.

*Bunnings Warehouse National Provincial Championship (formally ITM Cup)