Rickards resigns as Taranaki coach

Will Johnston

Willie Rickards will not re-apply for the head coaching role with the Yarrows Taranaki Bulls.

The 36-year-old stepped down from the position he has held since 2018. His contract was to finish at the end of this year.

It’s been a tumultuous past three years, which saw Taranaki relegated to the championship division and fail to re-enter the premiership division, despite having one of the most impressive squads in the competition.

Rickards’ resignation brings the curtain down on his 12-year affiliation with Taranaki Rugby after making his debut in 2009 against Waikato.

His rise into the head coaching role was quick. After he retired from playing in 2012, Rickards coached Southern to its first premier club title and the Taranaki sevens won the national tournament.

He was second in charge under Colin Cooper in 2015, after he worked at the union as a development officer.

Many pointed the finger at Rickards during his tenure with the Bulls, but it did have some success, including a semi-final in the championship division and a Ranfurly Shield victory against Canterbury this season.

Rickards was aware of the public criticism but believed the core group of squad members had the potential to be successful.

“As head coach, I am accountable for the results, I take full responsibility,” he said in a statement.

“I think it’s time for someone else to move into the head coaching role. I believe the three guys (chairman, chief executive and head coach) can really get aligned and drive this team forward for the next four, five or six years.”

Rickards said a combination of factors lead to poor results from a lack of accuracy late in games, the loss of key, influential players and this year, captain Mitchell Brown’s interrupted campaign.

“I’ve always believed the effort was there and I am proud of the culture we have here and believe that was a reflected in our games. We are a young group and we have had some good learnings.”

He said Taranaki will see the benefits in the next couple of years with the young group of players.

“If you ask me what I’m most proud of, it’s watching those young men be really good people in our community.

“Seeing our players become good fathers, good husbands and watching our Bayleys Academy players finish their trades and become qualified, that’s what has driven me.”

Taranaki Rugby’s chairman Andrew Thompson and chief executive Laurence Corlett both thanked Rickards for his service.

“Without a doubt, the last three years have been difficult to navigate with Yarrow Stadium issues and, latterly, Covid disruptions. However, Willie is the ultimate professional and has shown great leadership with our TRFU staff and management,” said Thompson.

He said a recruitment process for a replacement will begin shortly.

Rickards said he hasn’t made any future plans but will get around the province to thank people who helped him.