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Women's Rugby World Cup

Former Lions and England star lands World Cup gig with New Zealand

By Jon Newcombe

335 days ago

WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND - APRIL 29: Backs and Skills Coach Riki Flutey talks to players during a New Zealand Black Ferns Training Session at NZCIS on April 29, 2025 in Wellington, New Zealand. (Photo by Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images)

Former British & Irish Lions and England men’s international Riki Flutey has been announced as a member of the New Zealand coaching team for Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025.

Flutey, who also played with the Maori All Blacks, has been appointed as the Black Ferns’ backs and skills coach and will work under Director of Performance Allan Bunting.

His appointment completes the previously announced coaching make-up of Bunting, Tony Christie (Rugby Lead and Attack), Steve Jackson (Defence) and Dan Cron (Forwards).

‘This Energy Never Stops’ – Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025

An English Premiership title winner with Wasps in 2007/08, the season he was named Player of the Year, Flutey won 14 caps for England at centre between 2008 and 2011 and a solitary cap for the Lions on the 2009 tour to South Africa.

After retiring from playing, Flutey transitioned into coaching and in 2019 joined the Highlanders as their assistant coach, whilst also gaining further experience at various levels in women’s rugby.

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA – JUNE 23: Lions centre Riki Flutey bursts through the defence during the match between The Emerging Springboks and The British and Irish Lions at Newlands Stadium on June 23, 2009 in Cape Town, South Africa. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

“It’s truly an honour to now be in this environment with the Black Ferns. I look to use my playing experiences and knowledge wherever I can add value to help grow each individual as we start building towards the Rugby World Cup,” Flutey said.

“A lot of these players here in camp inspired my daughter Madison to play rugby several years ago now. She loves rugby because of them, so it’s special to be able to give back directly to those who inspired her through their actions on the field and in the community to grow women’s rugby in Aotearoa.”

Defending champions New Zealand have been placed in Pool C, along with Ireland, Japan and Spain, at WRWC 2025 in England this August-September.

Speaking about the latest addition to his coaching team, Bunting said: “I believe we’ve got the best people to empower and grow our players. Riki has a special skillset that I know will enhance our group, support our coaches and ensure we grow in certain areas of our game.

“It’s been special coming together, both players and management, we have an awesome crew. It’s great to have Riki onboard; he has already had an impact, and we are excited about what he will bring.”