There is a healthy southern influence in the coaching staff of the reigning powerhouse of the national championship.
Two former Highlanders, Alando Soakai and Trent Renata, have been named Wellington NPC assistant coaches alongside a third former Highlander, new head coach Tamati Ellison, and incumbent scrum coach Greg Halford.
The return of Soakai comes after a long career in Japan.
He spent 12 years with the Kubota Spears, who recently won the Japan Rugby League One title.
Soakai played 58 games for the Highlanders as an aggressive and mobile loose forward from 2007 to 2011, played NPC rugby for both Otago and Southland, and was a Commonwealth Games gold medallist with the New Zealand sevens team.
He headed to Japan to play for the Spears for six seasons before transitioning into coaching at the club, while raising a family with his wife, former Otago volleyballer and netballer Debbie Hill.
"It’s a great honour to be a part of a successful union that prides itself on delivering high standards, on and off the field," Soakai said.
‘‘It’s been a plan of mine to return home to New Zealand to coach and bring my family back from Japan. I’ve kept in regular contact with Tams [Ellison] over the years, and when this opportunity came up, I couldn’t say no.
‘‘Not only is it an opportunity to work with quality people but to experience living in the capital and all it has to offer."
Utility back Renata got his start with Waikato, playing 66 games for the union, before playing 10 games for the Highlanders in 2013-15, having a season with Otago, playing in Italy, and finishing his career with Wellington.
Ellison, who played for the Highlanders in 2012-13, said he was pleased to have his coaching group locked in ahead of the season.
"Alando has had great success growing the Kubota Spears to a formidable side over the last six years," Ellison said.
‘‘He is hungry and ready to return to New Zealand rugby. We are lucky to have him and can’t wait to get into the mahi.
"Trent has committed himself to his coaching since retiring from the Lions. He’s coached Tawa for several years, winning the Jubilee Cup in 2021, and assisted in the Wellington under-19s and the Hurricanes under-20 setup.
‘‘He has a strong connection with the academy members and will play an important role in the coaching group this season."
Wellington won the NPC crown last year for the first time since 2000, and also holds the Ranfurly Shield.
The Lions put the Log o’ Wood on the line against Heartland champion Horowhenua-Kapiti (July 12) and South Canterbury (July 19).
