The All Blacks Sevens' New Era: A Coaching Revolution or a Return to Roots?
The rugby world is buzzing with the announcement of the All Blacks Sevens' coaching team for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. But what’s truly fascinating here isn’t just the names on the roster—it’s the narrative they weave. Willie Rickards, Scott Curry, and Liam Messam aren’t just coaches; they’re storytellers, each bringing a chapter of rugby’s past into its future.
Willie Rickards: The Architect of Revival
Rickards stepping into the head coach role feels like a calculated gamble. Personally, I think this appointment is less about his coaching resume—impressive as it is—and more about his ability to reconnect the team with its identity. Having spent 14 years in coaching after a storied playing career, Rickards embodies the All Blacks Sevens’ legacy. What many people don’t realize is that his tenure with Taranaki and the U20s wasn’t just about winning titles; it was about building cultures. That’s the real challenge here: can he recreate that magic on the global stage?
Scott Curry and Liam Messam: The Guardians of Legacy
Curry and Messam as assistant and performance coach, respectively, are more than just hires—they’re symbols. Curry’s 321 games and Messam’s dual-format dominance (43 All Blacks caps and two Commonwealth medals) speak volumes. But what this really suggests is that the All Blacks Sevens are doubling down on their heritage. In my opinion, this isn’t just about tactical expertise; it’s about instilling a mindset. These aren’t coaches; they’re mentors, living embodiments of what it means to wear the jersey.
The 2028 Olympics: A Looming Shadow or a Golden Opportunity?
The road to LA 2028 is paved with pressure. The 2026-2027 HSBC SVNS Series isn’t just a qualifier—it’s a proving ground. One thing that immediately stands out is how the coaching team’s first task is to balance immediate results with long-term vision. If you take a step back and think about it, this isn’t just about winning matches; it’s about rebuilding a dynasty. The All Blacks Sevens haven’t dominated the SVNS Series in recent years, and this team’s success will be measured not just in medals, but in whether they can reclaim their throne.
The Human Factor: Why This Team Could Be Special
What makes this particularly fascinating is the human dynamic at play. Rickards, Curry, and Messam aren’t just colleagues; they’re brothers-in-arms. Their shared history—as players, captains, and now coaches—creates a unique chemistry. From my perspective, this could be the secret sauce. In a sport where margins are razor-thin, the ability to communicate, trust, and inspire could be the difference between a good team and a great one.
The Broader Implications: Rugby’s Evolving Landscape
This coaching shakeup isn’t happening in a vacuum. The SVNS Series is more competitive than ever, with teams like Fiji, South Africa, and Australia raising the bar. This raises a deeper question: can the All Blacks Sevens adapt to this new reality? Personally, I think their success will hinge on how they blend tradition with innovation. The appointment of Messam as performance coach, for instance, hints at a focus on physicality and resilience—a nod to the modern game’s demands.
Final Thoughts: A Legacy in the Making?
As the team prepares for Dubai in November, the stakes couldn’t be higher. This isn’t just about qualifying for the Olympics; it’s about redefining what it means to be the All Blacks Sevens. In my opinion, this coaching trio has the potential to do something extraordinary—not just win, but inspire. But here’s the kicker: success won’t be measured by medals alone. It’ll be in the stories they leave behind, the culture they rebuild, and the legacy they pass on.
If you ask me, that’s the real game they’re playing. And I, for one, can’t wait to see how it unfolds.
