Willie Rickards announced as All Blacks Sevens Head Coach through to 2028
The road to the 2028 Olympics starts now
Rickards’ elevation to the top job comes after two seasons as the All Blacks Sevens Assistant Coach and a coaching career spanning more than 14 years across, club, Provincial Union, national and international rugby.
Curry, who retired as a player in 2024, was brought into the coaching group in a part-time capacity in late 2025, while Messam, a two time Commonwealth Games gold medallist in Sevens, has been making his mark as an Athlete Development Coach at the Chiefs, a role he will continue alongside his Sevens commitments.
Rickards, who also represented the All Blacks Sevens as a player (2006-2009), succeeds Tomasi Cama, who after stepped down as Head Coach at the conclusion of the 2026 World SVNS Series.
TobeentrustedwithleadingtheAllBlacksSevensisanincredibleprivilege.Thisteamhasplayedasignificantroleinmylife,firstasaplayerandnowasacoach,sotobegiventheopportunitytoleadtheprogrammeisbothhumblingandexciting.Willie Rickards
“We have a talented group of players and staff, including Scott and Liam. To have two former captains with experience across the World Rugby Sevens Series, including Olympic and Commonwealth games campaigns, will have a significant impact across our school, club, provincial and national sevens programmes.
"The All Blacks Sevens jersey carries a proud legacy. Our responsibility is to honour those who have gone before us while continuing to evolve, improve and create an environment where staff and players are achieving excellence.”
Rickards represented Southland, Taranaki and the Highlanders as a player before moving into coaching.
He led the Taranaki Sevens programme to a National Championship in 2013, was the NPC team’s Skills Coach during the 2014 NPC Premiership-winning campaign, before progressing as Assistant Coach, then Head Coach (2018-2020) where his tenure included a notable Ranfurly Shield win over Canterbury.
At national level, Rickards was an Assistant Coach for New Zealand Schools and New Zealand Under 20s (2016-2018), helping guide the latter to the World Rugby Under 20 Championship in Georgia in 2017.
Curry and Messam boast long and impressive playing careers
Curry, who played 321 games for the All Blacks Sevens, is a four-time New Zealand Rugby Sevens Player of the year, won six World Series titles, and medalled at the Olympic and Commonwealth Games, said:
“I’m really grateful for the opportunity to continue with the All Blacks Sevens team in a full-time coaching role. This team has been a big part of my life and I’m excited to help this group continue to grow and perform on the world stage.”
Messam is a two-time Commonwealth Games Gold medallist in Sevens, 43-Tests All Black, 2015 Rugby World Cup winner, and two-time Super Rugby champion (2012, 2013) with the Chiefs, said:
“The All Blacks Sevens has played a big part in my career and it’s exciting to come back in and contribute as a coach. With the full support of NZ Rugby for the programme and the 2028 Olympics on the horizon there’s everything to play for and already some great talent in the group,” he said.
WATCH: Liam Messam's best moments for the Chiefs in Super Rugby
New Zealand Rugby (NZR) Sevens High-Performance lead Hannah Porter said:
“We’re excited about what Willie, Scott and Liam will collectively bring to their respective roles. Willie brings a strong coaching skill set to the Head Coach role, with a proven ability to build high-performing environments, develop people, and drive consistent performance. Together, the coaching group brings complementary strengths and a shared vision that will continue to grow the programme and position the team to consistently perform on the world stage as it builds towards the 2028 Olympics.
"Scott and Liam have playing careers that speak for themselves. Their understanding of the All Blacks Sevens environment, combined with the leadership, care and standards they demonstrated throughout their careers, will be invaluable to support the continued growth of this group.”
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