Neil Barnes has recommitted to Taranaki Rugby announcing today he will lead the Yarrows Taranaki Bulls for the 2025 Bunnings NPC season.  “I am very grateful for the opportunity to lead another Yarrows Taranaki Bulls campaign in 2025.”

“The prospect of defending the Ranfurly Shield in a newly completed and packed-out Yarrow Stadium, excites me greatly. The goal will be to create a dynasty and keep for the Shield the whole season.”

“On top of that, I want to grow more talent from within our province, with the help of a now experienced and top-quality management team. This is something that gives me an enormous amount of satisfaction. If we get this part right, I’d like to think that we will be in the mix at the end of the season to contest the playoffs, not just this season, but in seasons to come.”

Since taking on the Head Coach position in 2021 Barnes has had unprecedented Amber & Black success.

In his first season he led his side to an unbeaten 10-0 season before claiming the national provincial championship in 2023 and the Ranfurly Shield over Tasman last season.

Taranaki Rugby Chief Executive Officer Jimmy Fastier was rapt to see Barnes extend his tenure.

“It is great to have Neil re-commit to Taranaki Rugby. Neil bleeds Amber & Black and brings a wealth of experience, strong values and innovation to the Yarrows Taranaki Bulls environment. His coaching record speaks for itself.”

“Barnsey is hugely connected to our province, he is passionate about making Taranaki proud and bringing our fans, commercial partners, rugby clubs and the rural community on the journey with him and the team.”Barnes will lead a settled 2025 management group with Jarrad Hoeata the Forwards Coach, Brad Cooper the Backs Coach and Aaron Moore the Team Manager.

The father of three, kick started his coaching career at the grassroots level in Taranaki, he secured seven titles with New Plymouth Old Boys (1993-1998 and 2002).The 1993 title was the first Senior A Championship title for the NPOB club since 1957. Barnes also represented the Yarrows Taranaki Bulls as a lock in 1986 and was the Assistant Coach from 2003 to 2007 and in 2009.

An updated Yarrows Taranaki Bulls squad list and the 2025 Bunnings NPC draw will be released in the coming weeks.

For more information:

Jimmy Fastier ceo@trfu.co.nz

Neil Barnes neil@trfu.co.nz

Article added: Tuesday 11 February 2025