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All Blacks Sevens appoint new head coach
Sport Nation • August 6th, 2026 11:05 am
Willie Rickards | Photo: Photosport
Former All Blacks Sevens player Willie Rickards has been appointed head coach of the national men's sevens team through to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Rickards succeeds Tomasi Cama, who stepped down after the 2026 World SVNS Series, having spent the past two seasons as the All Blacks Sevens assistant coach.
He will be joined by former All Blacks Sevens captain Scott Curry as assistant coach, while former All Black and two-time Commonwealth Games sevens gold medallist Liam Messam has been appointed performance coach.
The appointments come on the back of a difficult period for the All Blacks Sevens. While their women's counterparts have continued their dominance, the men's NZ sevens national programme has struggled.
Their triumph in Dubai in December was their first since Singapore back in May 2024. Their last championship came in the 2022/23 season.
Rickards said leading the All Blacks Sevens was "an incredible privilege" and vowed to build on the programme's proud legacy.
"This team has played a significant role in my life, first as a player and now as a coach, so to be given the opportunity to lead the programme is both humbling and exciting,” Rickards said in a statement.
Sumo slams NZ Rugby for men's sevens shortcomings | Scotty & Izzy
"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 brings more than 14 years of coaching experience, including stints with Taranaki, the New Zealand Under-20s and New Zealand Schools, after representing the All Blacks Sevens between 2006 and 2009.
Curry, who retired from playing in 2024 after 321 appearances for the All Blacks Sevens, said he was excited to continue his involvement with the programme.
"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," Curry added.
Messam, a 43-Test All Black and 2015 Rugby World Cup winner, said returning to the programme ahead of the next Olympic cycle was an opportunity he relished.
"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," he said.
"With the 2028 Olympics on the horizon there's everything to play for and already some great talent in the group."
Tony Johnson on the state of NZ Sevens | Sport Nation Mornings
