Willie Rickards (full name William Tukotahi Clinton Rickards) is a New Zealand rugby union coach and former professional player. He attended Auckland Grammar School before furthering his studies at Massey University.
Rickards began his provincial playing career with Southland in 2006, making 27 appearances over three seasons. His performances earned him a place in the Highlanders squad during the 2007 Super Rugby season, where he made two appearances. In 2009 he joined Taranaki, although a hand injury disrupted his first campaign. He returned to become an important member of the side, helping Taranaki win the Ranfurly Shield in 2011 and later captaining the province. He also represented New Zealand in rugby sevens between 2006 and 2009.
After retiring from playing, Rickards moved into coaching with Taranaki Rugby as a coaching development manager. He enjoyed early success in sevens rugby, guiding Taranaki to its first national sevens title in 2013. He later became head coach of Southern Rugby Club, leading the club to its first Senior A championship, before joining Taranaki's NPC coaching staff as an assistant in 2015. He also served as an assistant coach with the New Zealand Under 20 side from 2016 to 2018 before taking over as Taranaki's head coach in 2018. More recently, he has continued his involvement with New Zealand Rugby as an assistant coach in the national sevens programme.
In 2026 it was announced that he will be the head coach of New Zealand 7s
Career
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New Zealand 7's Head Coach |
2026 - present |
 |
Taranaki Inside Centre |
2014 - 2016 |
