Trent Adam recommits to Taranaki Steelformers Airs

Will Johnston

After coaching the Taranaki Steelformers Airs to its most successful season earlier this year, Trent Adam will continue with the franchise.

Adam has extended his contract for another two years until the end of the 2024 season.

“I’m looking forward to building on last year’s progress,” he said.

“Having strong connections with our community and fans is something we will continue to build.”

Adam said his immediate priority is to develop the squad.

“Providing a product that is both successful and entertaining is a priority for our club, and we are building a roster that will achieve this.”

Adam continues a long history with the franchise after taking the reins in 2007 when he was 33. In his first year in charge, the team finished with an eight-win, 10-loss record, to topping the competition standings after the regular season this year.

It was helped by the inclusion of some of the competition’s form players like Anthony Hilliard and Richard Rodger, who topped the average points per game and three-point percentage averages respectively.

Taranaki Steelformers Airs general manager Cole Brown said the franchise is delighted to have secured Adam for the next two seasons.

“Trent is regarded as one of the best coaches in the country and the players love playing for him.

“His involvement with the Tall Blacks exposes our club to the best players in the country and is monumental in securing our playing roster.”

Brown said signing Adam gives the franchise continuity and shows they are a “force to content with” when heading into next season.  

“Our roster is coming together nicely and with Trent leading our programme, we are setting our goal on the top spot.

“We are building sustainability through strong commercial support, thanks to Steelformers, our principal sponsor, and our newly signed major sponsors Tool Hire Taranaki and JD Hickman. We are poised and ready to grow,” he adds. 

Brown encourages fans to buy their tickets now or avoid missing out.

Meanwhile, the franchise has added Mel McGlashan to its staff.

McGlashan joined Taranaki Rugby in 2017 as its executive assistant before moving into the community and operations space.

Brown is delighted to welcome McGlashan on board.

“Mel is highly regarded throughout the community and will add further value to our club.

"Mel brings a wealth of knowledge to our club and will take the lead in our growing community programmes. Mel has vast team management experience, strong commercial skills and has proven herself as one of the best match day managers in the country.

“Securing Mel will further improve the fan experience and support the growth of our team,” he said.