Rugby: Championship coach now to lead Whanganui

Whanganui Rugby

Photo: Ross Williams, left, with Don Carlson after Stratford-Eltham won the Taranaki championship in 2024. Don coached Stratford to multiple titles in the 1950s and 1960s.  

Taranaki club rugby championship-winning coach Ross Williams has been announced as the new Head Coach of Steelform Whanganui.

Ross brings a wealth of experience and a strong track record to the role.

Ross was part of the Heartland coaching team that won the Meads Cup in 2017 and previously led the Border Premier Team from 2014–2019, including guiding them to a Championship-winning season in 2016.

More recently, he coached the Stratford Eltham Premier Team from 2020–2024, culminating in a Premier Championship in 2024 – the first in 53 years.

His track record highlights his ability to develop talent and build strong, connected teams.

Chairperson, Pétra Allen said: "We are thrilled to welcome Ross as our Head Coach. His experience, leadership, and commitment to player development make him the ideal person to guide the team. We look forward to the positive impact he will have both on and off the field, engaging with clubs and the wider community."

Ross said: "I'm really grateful to be given the opportunity to lead the Whanganui Heartland Team. It's an honour to follow the legacy of those before me, and I'm looking forward to getting out into clubs, connecting with the rugby community, and working hard to grow the performances of a team with a proud history."

Whanganui Rugby also welcomes his management team - Assistant Coaches Todd Cowan and Tremaine Gilbert, and Team Manager, Jerome McCrea - who bring experience, knowledge and passion to the Heartland environment.

Whanganui Rugby looks forward to an exciting season ahead under Ross’s leadership, supported by a strong coaching group, as the team works to build on its proud history and future success.