Shocking report: Stacey Jones has terminated his contract with the New Zealand due to……
Legendary former halfback Stacey Jones has been named the new head coach of the Kiwis, set to lead them into the next World Cup. A veteran of 46 Tests for New Zealand and a member of the nation’s Team of the Century, Jones steps into the role after serving as an assistant coach for several years, including under his predecessor Michael Maguire.
“I’ve enjoyed working with the Kiwis over the last few years and watching the team grow under Madge (Michael Maguire). Being part of such a special group of players has taught me a lot,” Jones said.
Despite having high-profile candidates like Wayne Bennett, who publicly expressed interest in the position, New Zealand Rugby League chose a homegrown coach, maintaining the tradition that was in place for 12 years before Maguire’s appointment in early 2018.
NZRL CEO Greg Peters highlighted Jones’s qualifications, noting his deep understanding of ‘The Kiwi Way’ and extensive coaching experience.
“Stacey has completed a long apprenticeship with the Warriors and has been a long-term assistant coach with the Kiwis,” Peters said. “It’s personally gratifying to see him rewarded with this appointment. He is a technically skilled coach who knows what it takes to succeed at the top international level. We appreciate the Warriors’ support in allowing him the time for this role.”
Jones will continue his role as an assistant coach with the Warriors alongside his new responsibilities with the Kiwis. He brings over a decade of coaching experience within the NRL, including leading the Junior Warriors to a National Youth Competition title in 2014 and serving eight years as an assistant with the club’s top team. In the second half of the 2022 NRL season, he was the interim head coach of the Warriors and has also coached the Māori All Stars.
In 2019, Jones was inducted into the NRL Hall of Fame alongside fellow Kiwi great Ruben Wiki and has been awarded a New Zealand Order of Merit for his contributions to rugby league.
