Taranaki confirm Neil Barnes replacement with Chiefs assistant

Taranaki have confirmed their replacement head coach for Neil Barnes, naming current Chiefs assistant and former All Black Jarrad Hoeata to take the team forward in 2026.

This announcement comes after Barnes was named as Dave Rennie’s senior assistant last month, where he will mainly focus on the lineout and the forwards.

Hoeata, a Taranaki stalwart himself, has recently spent time at both the Chiefs and the New Zealand U20’s, while contributing to Barnes’ coaching staff as an assistant with the Bulls since 2019.

With the New Zealand U20’s, Hoeata was an assistant in 2024, before stepping up to the co-coaching role in 2025 alongside Craig Dunlea and Alex Robertson.

Taranaki Rugby Chief Executive Officer Jimmy Fastier explained that the appointment of Hoeata helps keep the continuity of the group.

“Jarrad is a proud Taranaki man, who has grown into a very well-respected coach. With Neil Barnes All Blacks elevation, Jarrad’s appointment ensures continuity for the Yarrows Taranaki Bulls programme ahead of the 2026 season,” Fastier said in a Taranaki Bulls statement.

“Jarrad has the respect of the playing group, alongside Brad Cooper he has a deep understanding of the expansive game plan that the squad have adopted, and his appointment supports a smooth transition with squad assembly three months away.”

The 43-year-old new head coach said that he’ll look to continue the positive culture that Barnes has instilled in the franchise in previous years.

“I’m incredibly proud to step into the Head Coach role with the Yarrows Taranaki Bulls. I’ve been part of this team for over 15 years as a player and coach, and it means a lot to me. I’m motivated to build on the standards and success we’ve created since starting my coaching journey with Barnesy in 2019.

“There is a really positive culture, great players and management, exceptional leaders and a community that truly gets behind the team. I’m excited to continue the journey and drive the programme forward.”