Ben Siffleet has been announced as the new Head Coach of the Central Roofing Taranaki Whio for their 2025 Farah Palmer Cup campaign. Siffleet replaces Maifea Maifea, who oversaw the programme in 2023 and 2024. 

Siffleet has extensive coaching experience at school, club, and representative level.

He has previously coached the Francis Douglas Memorial College 1^st XV and the Taranaki Development team, and he led the Tukapa Premiers to two CMK club championships in 2020 and 2022.

The current Taranaki Rugby Coach & Secondary School Leader is no stranger to the Central Roofing Taranaki Whio environment, he held the Forwards Coach role back in 2018.

Siffleet, was excited about leading Taranaki’s flagship women’s team into a new era.

“I am honoured to take on the role of Head Coach of the Central Roofing Taranaki Whio. I am thrilled to take on this new challenge and work with such a talented group of players and staff. I am eager to contribute and build on the continued growth and success of the team from previous years.”

Taranaki Rugby Chief Executive Officer Jimmy Fastier was delighted about the appointment.

“Ben is a passionate Taranaki man who will give his heart and soul to the Central Roofing Taranaki Whio campaign. Ben has strong rugby knowledge, a clear campaign plan for the Whio and he will establish a strong rapport with the playing group.”

“I also want to acknowledge the significant contribution of Maifea Maifea and his assistants Kerry Eynon and Lance White to grow the Whio programme over the last two seasons.”

A pre-season training block for a wider Central Roofing Taranaki Whio squad will commence following the appointment of Siffleet’s management team.

New Zealand Rugby is set to confirm the Farah Palmer Cup presented by Bunnings Warehouse schedule in the upcoming months.

Article added: Monday 20 January 2025