WILLIE WALKER DEPARTS AS NIB BLUES COACH
The nib Blues have confirmed Head Coach Willie Walker will depart the club after six transformative seasons, taking up an exciting new opportunity with Fiji Rugby.
Walker has been at the helm of the nib Blues since the team’s inception in 2021, guiding the side through the historic first women’s Super Rugby match in New Zealand and into the inaugural season of Super Rugby Aupiki the following year.
Under his leadership, the nib Blues have become the benchmark for women’s rugby in Aotearoa, capped by a three-peat of Super Rugby Aupiki titles from 2024 to 2026, including back-to-back Women’s Super Rugby Champions crowns along the way.
His departure brings to a close one of the most successful eras in the club’s history.
A former first-class player, Walker represented the Māori All Blacks before heading overseas to Italy, Japan and then on to play for Gloucester and Worcester in England.
He brought that playing pedigree into coaching, first with the Auckland Storm, then with the nib Blues, building a culture that attracted and retained some of the country’s best talent.
Walker said the decision to leave was not an easy one, but the opportunity was one he couldn’t pass up.
“My time at the Blues has been an amazing adventure and I know that I will always be a part of this club in some capacity,” he said.
“The joy of being in and around a group of people who enjoy hanging out together has been really special. I’m genuinely going to miss the group, but I know I’ve left it in a good space.
“I wish everyone well and look forward to seeing what the next chapter looks like as the programme continues to grow and develop. I’ll be forever grateful for the opportunity I had with the Blues.”
Blues GM Rugby Murray Williams paid tribute to Walker’s impact on the Blues.
“Willie leaves an enormous legacy at this club,” said Williams.
“To take a team from its very first game to three consecutive titles speaks to the calibre of coach and person he is. He’s not just built a winning team, he’s built a culture that players want to be part of, and that will be his lasting mark on the nib Blues.
“We’re grateful for everything he’s given this club, and while we’re sad to see him go, we understand why an opportunity like this is one he had to take. We wish Willie and his family all the very best and he will forever have a home at this club.”
The nib Blues will continue the process for a new Head Coach in the coming months, with further details to be announced in due course.