North Otago Rugby is delighted to announce Luke Herden as the Head Coach for the 2025 Bunnings Heartland Championship. Ralph Darling joins the coaching staff as Assistant Coach, with Kilifi Fangupo taking on the role of Defence Assistant Coach. Additionally, the team will receive technical advisory support from both Highlanders and Leinster Rugby.
Herden, a former North Otago captain, made history as the first loan player to reach 60 caps for the province and captained the team to championship titles. His extensive coaching experience includes roles as Assistant Coach for the North Otago Heartland Team in 2022, Head Coach for Otago U19’s, and coaching positions with Otago Development, Otago Academy, and Otago Sevens. Additionally, he has coached Southern Premier teams and served as a New Zealand Age Group Rugby Selector for five years. With mentorship under Jamie Joseph and a proven track record in both provincial and age-group rugby, Herden brings the ideal leadership to the Heartland team.
“We have a fantastic community that gets behind its team no matter what,” said Herden. “I have incredible memories playing for North Otago, some of my happiest and most rewarding moments in rugby. It’s a great honour to lead this proud region, and I’m excited to begin this next chapter with the players and wider community.”
Ralph Darling brings valuable experience, having coached North Otago’s age-grade teams, Heartland, and Development squads. The former championship-winning Heartland captain is one of four players in history to earn over 100 caps for North Otago, showcasing his deep connection to the region. Kilifi Fangupo, also a former Heartland Championship-winning player, coaches at John McGlashon High School and previously coached Otago's Schools, North Otago Development, and age-grade pathways in 15’s and 7’s.
North Otago Rugby CEO Sene Naoupu added, “We are excited to have Luke, Ralph, and Kilifi leading our Heartland team. With their experience, dedication, and deep ties to the region, we believe they will build on North Otago Rugby’s legacy and restore our top position in the Bunnings Heartland Championship. We are also grateful for the support of the Highlanders and Leinster Rugby, whose technical advisory input will be invaluable in helping us achieve our goals. Their expertise and commitment to fostering talent are deeply appreciated as we work together to strengthen North Otago Rugby.
The coaching appointments followed a thorough selection process by an esteemed panel, including Joe Schmidt, Peter Breen and Phil Hope. North Otago Rugby was impressed by the calibre of candidates. Joe Schmidt's support and commitment to the region’s process were pivotal in identifying the right leadership, reflecting his dedication to the game and the high standards North Otago Rugby aspires to.
The Bunnings Heartland Championship begins on August 16, with North Otago’s first match against Whanganui away. A highlight will be the return to A&P Showgrounds, the historic home of North Otago Rugby, for home matches starting August 23, while renovations to Whitestone Contracting Stadium are completed. The competition concludes with the final on October 18.
North Otago Rugby encourages all supporters and sponsors to back the coaching team as they push for championship glory.
Photo credit: Otago Daily Times