The coaching staff for the inaugural NZ Under 21 Women team features Hayden Triggs, Emma Jensen, and Solomona Paraki to face Australia NextGen. New Zealand Rugby (NZR) announced the historic appointment as they assemble a national age-grade women’s squad for the very first time. Former Māori All Black and current Hurricanes Poua Head Coach Hayden Triggs will step into the Head Coach role.
Joining Triggs in leading the NZ Under 21 Women squad are two distinguished Assistant Coaches. Former Black Ferns legend Emma Jensen and Canterbury Farah Palmer Cup Head Coach Solomona Paraki will support the side. The team will make history at One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch on October 31 at 4:30 PM NZT, playing prior to the Black Ferns WXV Global Series Test against France.
Triggs Leads NZ Under 21 Women Coaching Staff
Hayden Triggs brings immense experience to the new age-grade setup after guiding Hurricanes Poua through an impressive Super Rugby Aupiki season. During his playing career, Triggs earned 10 caps for the Māori All Blacks and featured for the Hurricanes, Highlanders, Chiefs, and Blues. Consequently, his guidance will prove invaluable for emerging talent transitioning into elite rugby.
“To be part of the first New Zealand Under 21 women’s team is a real honour. We want to provide these players with an environment and experience that will prepare them and elevate them to higher honours,” said Head Coach Hayden Triggs.
Meanwhile, Assistant Coach Emma Jensen holds the record for most first-class appearances by a female player in New Zealand with 184 matches. Having won two Rugby World Cups with the Black Ferns in 2006 and 2010, her technical insight will boost the team’s backline strategy. Additionally, Solomona Paraki brings a strong track record after guiding Canterbury to three consecutive Farah Palmer Cup finals.
Full Management Staff and Match Details
The new NZ Under 21 Women side is supported by 2degrees as the Official Partner, with live coverage broadcast exclusively on Sky Sport. The full player squad will be officially named on Friday, October 2.
Complete Coaching and Management Group:
Head Coach: Hayden Triggs
Assistant Coach: Emma Jensen
Assistant Coach: Solomona Paraki
Scrum Coach: Pip Love
Strength and Conditioning Coach: Chantal MacDonald
Manager: Amy Courtney
Analyst: Tandi Keet
Physio: Ala Bakulich-Leavasa
Doctor: Anika Tiplady
Mental Performance Lead: Jessie Hansen
Rugby fans tracking international fixtures can visit our 2026 match schedule page. Furthermore, ticketing details for upcoming matches are available on our rugby ticket guide. You can also explore historical statistics on our head-to-head records breakdown.
Match Summary Overview
Fixture: New Zealand Under 21 Women vs Australia NextGen
Date & Time: Saturday, 31 October 2026 at 4:30 PM NZT
Venue: One New Zealand Stadium, Christchurch
Broadcaster: Sky Sport NZ
For more official team announcements and news, visit the official All Blacks portal.