Rugby: Taranaki announce assistant coaches for 2026 campaign

Taranaki Rugby has turned to two familiar faces to complete the Yarrows Taranaki Bulls coaching team for the 2026 National Provincial Championship season.

Former Bulls and Super Rugby player Heiden Bedwell-Curtis has been appointed defence coach, while long-serving New Plymouth Old Boys mentor Michael Carr will take charge of the attack.

The appointments complete head coach Jarrad Hoeata's coaching group ahead of preparations beginning later this month.

Bedwell-Curtis returns to the Bulls environment after a playing career that included stints with the Crusaders and Hurricanes, as well as six seasons in Japan.

The 34-year-old was part of the Crusaders squads that won Super Rugby titles in 2017 and 2018 before returning home, where he helped guide Inglewood in club rugby and joined the Chiefs' coach development programme.

Carr brings a wealth of coaching experience, having spent more than two decades with New Plymouth Old Boys. During that time he guided the club to premier championships in 2015, 2018 and 2023.

A former Bulls representative player, Carr has also spent nine years involved in Taranaki's representative pathways, including the Under-20, development and Roller Mills programmes.

The appointments follow the departure of attack coach Brad Cooper, who has decided not to return after four seasons with the Bulls.

Taranaki Rugby thanked Cooper for his contribution to the programme and wished him well.

Hoeata said both appointments would strengthen the coaching group.

"I'm excited to bring two highly respected coaches into our environment," he said.

"Heiden already has a strong connection with our current playing group and has earned the respect of the players. His experience across all levels of the game, both as a player and a coach, will add real value to what we're building."

Of Carr, Hoeata said: "Jimi is one of the most respected figures in Taranaki sport. Throughout his coaching career, he's consistently built successful teams and strong environments, and we're fortunate to have that experience within our programme."

Taranaki Rugby coach development lead Mike Kainga will continue to provide scrum support for the NPC campaign.

The Bulls coaching group will begin assembling at the end of June as preparations ramp up for the 2026 season.