COURSE DATES & COACH REGISTRATIONS

How to Register as a Coach

If you have already registered this season, please do not compete another coach registration form.

Step 1: Complete an online coaching form (links below for each club and school)

Step 2: Select a RugbySmart delivery option on your registration form

Step 3. Complete RugbySmart - either online eLearning module, or attend an Online Webinar, or attend a local practical course.

Course Dates - 2023 RugbySmart

Secondary Schools and Senior Club Rugby

Requirement: A minimum of 2x coaches per 15-a-side team are required to complete RugbySmart per season. 7-a-side and 10-a-side teams require 1x coach to complete RugbySmart per season.

Teams that participate in competition games with less than the required coaches who have registered and completed the annual RugbySmart course risk losing competition points. Any match (competition or not) involving these teams also risk not having match officials appointed.


Practical courses all start at 5:45pm, finish approx 7:45pm (unless otherwise stated).

Senior Coaches & All Referees

2023 Practical Courses 

Rugby Smart / Steamers Road Show days for early 2023 ( face to face sessions below, online options also available)

  • WBOP Monday 27th February at BOPRU / Blake Park, Mt Maunganui 
  • CBOP Wednesday 1st March at Whakarewarewa
  • EBOP Wednesday 8th March at Rugby Park Whakatane

Level 1 foundation courses - WBOP on Wednesday 22nd of March. We will also be tailoring some foundation courses for some of our bigger clubs and schools throughout preseason.

Level 2 DRC will be on the 11th and 12th of March at BOPRU High Performance Centre / Blake Park, Mt Maunganui. 

Confirmed RugbySmart Webinar dates. (For your planning/comms with clubs and schools - if not attending a practical RugbySmart or eLearning module)

Book your spot for your preferred date via NZR's website - click here.

  • Wednesday 15th March 7pm
  • Sunday 2nd April. 7pm
  • Wednesday 5th April, 7pm (RugbySmart for Match Officials)
  • Sunday 16th April 7pm
  • Wednesday 3rd May. 7pm

Secondary School Coaches & All Referees

RugbySmart with Coaching Teenagers Included

Monday 3rd April, Rotorua Boys High School (3:30pm-5:30)

Monday 3rd  April, EBOP Rugby Park , Whakatane. (5.30-7.30pm)

Wednesday 5th April, WBOP, Adams High Performance Centre. (5.30-7.30pm)

Wednesday 3rd May, ALL, Eastern Districts Rugby and Sports Club (5.30-7.30pm)

Thursday 4th May EBOP Trident High School (5.30-7.30pm)




Course Dates - 2023 SmallBlacks

Junior Club Rugby U8s to U13s

Minimum of 2x coaches per team for U11s, U12s and U13s are required to complete a SmallBlacks coaching course and 1x coach at U10s, U9s, U8s, U7s and U6s.

Courses are free and open to everyone that registers.

Course dates and venues to be confirmed ​​​​​​​

Small Blacks Courses 2023

EBOP - Wednesday 12th April & Wednesday 26th April @ Rugby Park, Whakatane 5.30pm



Coach Development Manager:

Vacant