Touch New Zealand would like to formally announce Peter McIntyre as the new coaching lead for our New Zealand Open Women’s programme. Peter has come from a vast coaching background and will bring plenty of experience to the new role. He will be joined by existing assistant coach Le Toia Tainui-McIntyre and new assistant coach Kim-Anaka Baillie.   

“I’m really looking forward to the challenge of leading our Wāhine coaching team”.

The coaching framework has changed, which has meant the responsibilities within the women’s programme have changed. Peter and his team have been assigned specific roles within their coaching setup, aiming to optimise and enhance the programme. In this new role, Peter has been tasked to create, develop, and deliver a coaching programme that is beneficial for female athletes and coaches at various age groups and representative levels. 

“There’s no denying that we are in a rebuilding phase, and there’s plenty of Mahi to do - but together, I’m confident that we can develop talent from the age grades through to our Opens athletes - with a united purpose of doing well, and representing our country and communities with pride”.

There has been a big emphasis put on developing youth players, creating pathways and opportunities for them to succeed and progress to the highest level. Peter will identify and engage with players from the Youth level and help them progress to Touch Black level. Le Toia will be focusing on technology and tactical coaching, and Kim-Anaka will be focusing on the players, engagement, and management. 

“The addition of Kim-Anaka is a good compliment for our HP team; she will add a fresh energy to the group and will connect well with the girls - it’s exciting times and I’m really grateful for the opportunity to continue serving the game I love, with my touch whānau”.

By running the female High Performance programme together, Touch Blacks, 18s and 20s will all train together, which will give Peter and the rest of the coaching staff, further opportunities to help develop the younger players and coaches coming through our ranks. This strategy will give young players and coaches a chance to learn and develop their skills in an environment with their peers.

Article added: Wednesday 09 February 2022