Wellington Lions confirm wider coaching group

Wellington Rugby Football Union [WRFU] has today confirmed the three assistant coaches who will assist the recently appointed head coach, Tamati Ellison, for the 2023 Bunnings Warehouse NPC competition.  

Current Wellington Lions scrum coach Greg Halford will be joined by Alando Soakai and Trent Renata, with the group to take up their respective roles ahead of the 2023 NPC season.   

Alando Soakai will make a return to the Capital after 12 years with the 2023 Japan Rugby League One title winners, the Kubota Spears.   

Soakai, a former Southland captain and Highlanders’ representative played for the Kubota Spears from 2011 until 2016 before closing out his playing career as a player-coach in 2016-2017. Following his retirement, Soakai transitioned into full-time coaching.  

Soakai, an accomplished Sevens player, represented New Zealand, winning the Commonwealth Games gold medal in Melbourne in 2006 and an IRB World Sevens Series title in 2007.  

Former Wellington Lion Trent Renata makes a return to his former team as assistant coach, after three years as head coach of Tawa’s Premier Team, and two seasons with the Wellington Under-19s [2021 to 2022]. He was also the assistant coach for the 2023 Hurricanes Under-20s team.  

Renata, a former Māori All Blacks representative, was a part of the New Zealand Under 20 World Championship side in 2008, before linking up with Waikato in the NPC, amassing over 66 caps. He then went on to make his Super Rugby debut for the Chiefs during the 2010 Super season whilst a member of the franchise's Wider Training Group.  

An injury crisis in the Highlanders camp ahead of the 2013 Super Rugby season saw him named as a late replacement in the side’s main squad where he remained for the next three years, playing both for the Highlanders and a season for Otago in 2014, followed by Tasman. 

Renata then signed with Mogliano in the Italian Pro10, in 2016 making 27 appearances across 2 seasons, before returning home to finish his playing career with the Wellington Lions. Renata was also part of the Hurricanes’ wider training squad ahead of the 2018 Super Rugby season. 

Ellison said he was pleased to have his coaching group locked in. 

“It’s going to be an exciting season ahead.  

“Alando has had great success growing the Kubota Spears to a formidable side over the last 6 years. 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,” said Ellison.  

Alando Soakai said: 

“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. I am excited to work with Tams and Greg who have both created a great environment and I hope I can add to that.  

“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 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,” said Soakai.  

Trent Renata said:  

“I’m very honoured to accept the role as an assistant coach for the Wellington Lions, a team I have had the privilege of playing for in previous years. 

“I’m looking forward to the opportunity and challenge of the season ahead while getting to work alongside some respected and impressive coaches within our environment,” said Renata. 

The Wellington Lions will assemble on July 10 ahead of the 2023 Bunnings Warehouse NPC competition.  

They will kick off their season with two Ranfurly Shield challenges against Horowhenua Kapiti on July 12 and South Canterbury on July 19, followed by a traditional preseason match against Taranaki on July 29 July at Manaia Domain.