Legendary former halfback Stacey Jones will lead the Kiwis into the next World Cup after being announced as the nation's new head coach.
A 46-Test Kiwi and member of New Zealand's Team of the Century, Jones takes the top job after several years as an assistant with the team, which included working under Michael Maguire, who he succeeds in the role.
Jones has signed on through to the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup.
“This is a huge honour for me,” Jones said.
It was a special privilege to play for my country and to now have the chance to coach the Kiwis is both exciting and humbling.
Stacey Jones
“I’ve enjoyed working with the Kiwis over the last few years and seeing the team develop under Madge (Michael Maguire). I’ve learnt so much being involved with such a special group of players."
Despite having a candidate list which included Wayne Bennett – who had publicly discussed his interest in the role – the New Zealand Rugby League have opted to have a homegrown coach in charge, as was the case for the 12 years prior to Maguire's appointment in early 2018.
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NZRL CEO Greg Peters said in addition to Jones being an accomplished coach, he also brings a strong understanding of ‘The Kiwi Way’.
“Stacey has served a lengthy apprenticeship with the Warriors and has also been with us as a long-term assistant coach with the Kiwis," Peters said.
“It’s personally pleasing to see him rewarded with this appointment.... he is a technically astute coach who understands what it takes to operate at the top international level.
“We are grateful to the Warriors for supporting his appointment and allowing him the time to do it."
In addition to the Kiwis job, Jones will remain in his current role as an assistant coach with the Warriors.
Jones has over a decade of coaching experience in NRL systems, which includes leading the Junior Warriors to a National Youth Competition title in 2014 and eight years as an assistant with the club's top side.
The 47-year-old spent the second half of the 2022 NRL season as the interim head coach of the Warriors and he has previously coached the Māori All Stars.
In 2019 Jones was inducted into the NRL Hall of Fame alongside fellow Kiwi Great Ruben Wiki, while he has also been awarded a New Zealand Order of Merit for services to rugby league.
