Neil Barnes on re-signing with Taranaki & the All Blacks coaching saga

Sport Nation • January 23rd, 2026 1:45 pm

Neil Barnes | Photo: Photosport

Taranaki rugby stalwarts in New Plymouth and beyond rejoiced this week, with news Neil Barnes had extended his stay as head coach at NPC level for another season.

While many may have viewed the reappointment as a fait accompli, the inimitable Barnes was quick to undermine his new deal - tongue obviously firmly in cheek.

"It's a bit hard to understand, isn't it?" Barnes joked with Sport Nation Afternoons host Mark Stafford. "I slipped in the back door somehow."

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Now over 30 years deep in the coaching game, the amicable Barnes is heading into his sixth season with the Bulls, having overseen one of the province's most successful periods - highlighted by their NPC title triumph in 2023.

And the 67-year-old hints there's no chance of any retirement on the horizon, insisting his competitive fire still burns as bright as ever.

"I still get a massive kick out of it, to be honest," Barnes adds.

"I'm a pretty competitive person so I still enjoy that stuff, but the other part is to be able to grow a game that the boys are going to enjoy playing and people enjoy watching. That's important to us.

"But even more than that, just trying to win a very, very good competition."

Listen to the full interview below:

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Neil Barnes on re-signing with Taranaki & the All Blacks coaching saga

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