IRANZ Coaches
&
Presenters
Throughout the tournament, teams will benefit from the presence and guidance of IRANZ’s world-renowned coaching staff—many of whom are former international players and professional coaches. Their on-site support includes skill sessions, feedback opportunities, and leadership mentoring, creating a learning-rich environment that enhances both team and individual development.
WAYNE TAYLOR
IRANZ CEO & HP
• Rugby Romania - 2023
• SA Rugby-Southern Kings -2019
• Japan National Team & Sunwolves Super Rugby 2016
• Honda Heat Japan 2015-2016
• SA Lions Super Rugby 2010 - 2012
• IRANZ Head of performance 2003-2009
• Tasman Makos NPC 2006 -2008
• NZ U21 Team 2005 - 2007
• NZ Blackferns 2004
COLIN COOPER
IRANZ Director of Rugby
• IRANZ Course Facilitator & Resource Coach
• Chiefs Super Rugby 2018-2019
• Maori All Blacks 2013-2017
• Junior All Blacks 2005- 2007
• Hurricanes Super Rugby 2003-2010
• Crusaders Super Rugby 2002
• NZ U21 Team 2001
• Taranaki NPC 1999 -2002
AARON MAUGER
IRANZ Facilitator -
All Black 1013
Playing career:
• Position - Fly Half / Centre
Teams-All Blacks, Crusaders, Canterbury
Leicester Tigers , NZ U21’s.
Coaching career:
• IRANZ Course Facilitator & Resource Coach
• Fiji National Team 2024- present
• Moana Pasifika Super Rugby 2002-2023
• Highlanders Super Rugby 2018-2020
• Samoa 2017
• Leicester Tigers 2015 - 2017
• Crusaders Super Rugby 2013-2015
Dave Ellis
Head Skills Coach
Coaching Career:
• IRANZ 2000- Present
• Bristol Bears English Premiership 2024-2025
• Blues Super Rugby 2016 - 2018
• Connacht Rugby, Pro12, 2013 - 2016
• NZ Blackferns
• International Resource coach 1990- Present
• Dave has over 30 year’s experience in player skill
development, and coach education
Mick Byrne
Resource Coach -Former Professional AFL Player
Coaching career:
• IRANZ Course Facilitator & Resource Coach
• Fiji 2024 -Present
• Fijian Drua Super Rugby 2021-2024
• Australia 2016 - 2019
• Blues Super Rugby 2012-2014
• All Blacks 2005 - 2015
• Japan 2008-2011- 2005
• Scotland 2002
Ben O'Keeffe
International Referee
• Internationally respected Referee
• NZ NPC
• Super Rugby
• Test matches
• Rugby World Cup 2019 & 2023
• British & Irish Lions series.
• IRANZ - Presenter & Coach
Jason Holland
Resource Coach
Playing career:
• Position - Flyhalf / Centre
• Teams - Manawatu, Taranaki, Munster, Ireland A
Coaching career:
• All Blacks Assistant 2024-Present
• Hurricanes 2020 - 2023
• Hurricanes Assistant 2015 -2019
• Canterbury Assistant 2012- 2015
• Munster Assistant 2008 - 2012
Tamati Ellison
Resource Coach
All Black 1099
Playing career:
• Position: Centre /Utility Back.
• Teams: All Blacks, Maori All Blacks,
NZ Sevens, Hurricanes & Rebels Super Rugby
Coaching Career:
• All Blacks Assistant 2024 - Present
• Crusaders Assistant 2021 - 2024
• Wellington NPC Head Coach 2023-2024
Mark Hammett
Resource Coach
All Black 984
Playing career:
• Position: Hooker.
• Teams: All Blacks, Crusaders, Canterbury
Coaching Career:
• Highlanders Super Rugy Assistant Coach 2017 -2019
• Sunwolves & Japan Super Rugby - 2016
• Cardiff Blues DOR 2014 - 2015
• Hurricanes Head Coach 2011 -2014
• Crusaders Assistant 2007 - 2010 & 2006
• Canterbury Forwards Coach 2006
Dominic Bird
All Black 1127
Playing Career:
• Position: Lock
Teams:
• All Blacks
• Crusaders Super Rugby
• Hurricanes Super Rugby
• Chiefs Super Rugby
• Racing 92 - France
• IRANZ Positional specialist
Rodney So'oialo
All Black 1028
Playing career
• Position: Number 8
Teams:
• All Blacks
• NZ sevens
• Hurricanes Super Rugby
• Wellington NPC
• Honda Heat - Japan
• IRANZ Positional specialist.
Piri Weepu
All Black 1049
Playing career:
• Position: Scrum Half / Fly Half
Teams:
• All Blacks
• Maori All Blacks
• Hurricanes Super Rugby
• Blues Super Rugby
• London Welsh
• Wasps
• IRANZ Positional specialist.
Aaron Cruden
All Black 1103
Playing career:
• Position: Fly Half.
Teams:
• All Blacks
• Chiefs Super Rugby
• Hurricanes Super Rugby
• Montpellier - France
• Suntory Goliath- Japan
• Kobelco Steelers - Japan
• IRANZ Positional specialist.
Nehe Milner- Skudder
All Black 1146
Playing career:
• Position: Fullback / wing
Teams:
• All Blacks
• Maori All Blacks
• World XV
• Hurricanes Super Rugby
• Highlanders Super Rugby
• Toulon - France
• IRANZ Positional specialist