New Zealand U20 coach steps down one month out from World Champs

Milton Haig is stepping down as New Zealand U20 head coach over a lack of alignment with his fellow coaches.

This news comes just a day after the Kiwi U20 squad for the World Rugby U20 Championships was announced, and just over one month away from the tournament’s opening match day, when New Zealand will play tournament hosts, Italy.

Haig was at the helm for the Baby Blacks’ recent triumph in the Rugby Championship U20 tournament in South Africa, seeing his side go undefeated, albeit with one draw against Australia.

New Zealand claimed 24 tries over the three-round tournament, nine more than any other side, while their defensive record was second-best in the field.

Haig has held coaching positions across NPC, Super Rugby, Japan Rugby League One, and internationally with Georgia and the USA. He expressed his appreciation for his time with the age-grade outfit.

“I’m grateful to New Zealand Rugby for the opportunity to return home and work with a talented group of players and management. Winning in South Africa was a highlight for the team and myself. Helping the players succeed was my primary motivation for taking the role and I believe they have the skills and drive to be successful at the World Championships in Italy.

“However, I do not feel I’m fully aligned with the coaching group around things like playing style, so have made the difficult decision to step aside to give the team its best chance of reaching its full potential. I sincerely wish the players, coaches and management all the best for the remainder of the campaign and will be supporting them from afar.”

Haig says his departure allows him to spend more time with family and on his role with World Rugby as a high-performance consultant.

Matt Sexton, New Zealand Rugby High Performance Player Development Manager, spoke highly of Haig as a person and coach, while praising the decision as a clear sign of a team-first mentality.

“Milton’s a quality coach and person has done a great job laying the foundations for the team over the past two months. His record over time is evidence of his coaching ability, and it was great to see the team perform so well in South Africa. We respect his decision to step away and admire his courage in putting the team before himself.”