Wellington hires former Highlanders flanker Alando Soakai as coach
Alando Soakai, an All Blacks Sevens player and former Highlanders loose forward, has been named Wellington’s head coach for the 2024–2025 season.
Tamaiti Ellison, who was added to the All Blacks coaching staff and will remain an assistant at the Crusaders next season, is replaced by Soakai.
As he gets ready for his first head coaching position, Soakai is acquainted with the Wellington setup having helped Ellison during this year’s national provincial championship.
He had previously played and coached forwards for the Kubota Spears for 12 years in Japan, where they had won the Japanese League One in 2022–2023.
“My ability to continue growing our rugby, but more importantly our people (players and staff) will be my driving force,” Soakai stated.
“I’m proud of our environment because it’s something our people have worked really hard to maintain and will only get better. Give recognition to the previous leaders and coaches who set the groundwork.
“Identifying and nurturing the next generation of Lions from within the province is also essential to our sustained success. I’m excited to get to know the players, coaches, and teams over the ensuing two seasons.
Meanwhile, Fusi Feaunati will lead the Wellington Pride once more in the upcoming season.
“Wake up the sleeping giant of New Zealand Women’s Rugby,” according to Feaunati
“Being selected to lead the Pride in 2024 excites and privileges me,” he declared. “We are currently reviewing how we can better support our Pride program in 2024 and finalizing our coaching group for the upcoming season.”
Together with the team, I’m eager to develop as a coach and to help and dedicate ourselves to our women’s and girls’ educational and club rugby pathways.
In July, Feaunati, who also serves as the Women’s High-Performance Manager for Wellington Rugby, will remain with the Pride.
