Warren Gatland's new coaching gig

NEWS: The New Zealand Barbarian Rugby Club has announced the 2021 New Zealand Barbarians squad that will assemble in Taupō this week ahead of their clash against New Zealand Heartland XV on Sunday.

Chiefs and former British and Irish Lions head coach Warren Gatland will be at the helm. He will be assisted by former All Black Jarrad Hoeata (assistant coach, Championship winner Taranaki) and Roger Randle (assistant coach, Premiership winner Waikato).

Gatland, a proud Barbarian, said he was excited about coaching the team against the New Zealand Heartland XV.

“I’ve been privileged to give opportunities to a number of players in red [with Wales and the British and Irish Lions] and this match will be no different for the up and coming stars who will don the Baabaas red jersey,” said Gatland.

“Barbarians’ rugby is all about providing opportunities, camaraderie, enjoyment and supporting grassroots rugby, and I’m excited to be a part of the team.”

Gatland said the team had pulled together a squad of future stars of the game, including Under-20s star Bryn Gordon, and King Country local Cruise Dunster, who’ll have the opportunity to represent his union on home turf, and he was looking forward to assembling in Taupō later this week.

2021 New Zealand Barbarians squad: Solomone Tukuafu (Waikato), Joseph Gavigan (Manawatu), Mills Sanerevi (Taranaki), Bryn Gordon (New Zealand Barbarians U20 – Manawatu), Michael Bent (Taranaki), Flyn Yates (Manawatu), James Thompson (Waikato), Frank Lochore (Hawkes Bay), Cruise Dunster (King Country), Semisi Paea (Bay of Plenty), Sam Smith (Wellington), Veveni Lasaqa (Bay of Plenty), Keelan Whitman (Wellington), Leroy Carter (Bay of Plenty), Connor Collins (Wellington), Josh Jacomb (Taranaki), D’Angelo Leuila (Waikato), Quinnlan Tupou (Waikato), Louis Rogers (Waikato), Te Paea Cook-Savage (Waikato), Taniela Filimone (Manawatu), Vereniki Tikoisolomone (Taranaki), Drew Wild (Manawatu).

Management team:

Head Coach
Warren Gatland (Waikato Chiefs)

Assistant Coaches
Jarrad Hoeata (Taranaki)
Roger Randle (Waikato Chiefs)

Manager
Wayne Brill (Bay of Plenty)

Assistant Managers
Ben Sherriff (King Country)

Physiotherapist
Jenny Voss (King Country)