Northland Rugby is pleased to announce that Ross Wright will return for his second year as the NPC Semco Taniwha Assistant Coach. Wright's ongoing commitment to the team, both as a player and now as a coach, continues to inspire and elevate the Semco Taniwha to new heights.

Last year, Ross transitioned from an illustrious playing career to the coaching realm, bringing his extensive on-field experience and insight to the team. His return as the Assistant Coach marks another exciting chapter for the Semco Northland Taniwha, building on the solid foundation laid during his first year in the role.

Ross Wright's playing career with the Taniwha spanned from 2009 to 2022, during which he played an impressive 123 games as a loose head prop and hooker. His on-field performance, unwavering commitment, and leadership on the field made him an integral part of the Taniwha squad. Ross also proudly represented the New Zealand Māori All Blacks from 2017 to 2020, showcasing his talents on an international stage. In 2018, he joined the Blues Super Rugby team, further cementing his reputation as a versatile and skilled player.

In 2023, Ross took on the role of Scrum Coach for the Future Taniwha program, where he played a crucial part in nurturing young talent. He also took up the role as Assistant Coach for the Taniwha team. His passion for player development extended beyond the professional arena, as he also took up coaching roles with the Wellsford Rugby Club Men's senior premier and division teams. As Head Coach, Forwards Coach, and Scrum Coach, Ross demonstrated his ability to lead and inspire players at various levels of the game.

As Ross Wright embarks on his second year as the NPC Semco Taniwha Assistant Coach, he shared his excitement and gratitude:

"I am very excited and grateful to be appointed to this role for a second year. The Semco Northland Taniwha has been a significant part of not just my career as a player but my life in general. Having spent many memorable years on the field with this team, I understand the dedication and hard work required to succeed. I can't wait to get stuck into the season, though I understand there's a lot of work to be done beforehand. The passion and spirit of this team is unrivaled, and I'm eager to contribute to our success this upcoming season."

Stay tuned as we gear up for an exciting season in the Bunnings Warehouse NPC. 

Article added: Thursday 27 June 2024