When he’s not fighting fires in Auckland’s central suburbs, Willie Walker can be found with a whistle in hand coaching women’s rugby - a job he’s found presents a different kind of challenge from the Fire Service.

Walker, a current Firefighter and former New Zealand Maori rugby representative has signed on as nib Blues Head Coach for the 2023 Sky Super Rugby Aupiki campaign - his second season in charge of the team.

He brings a simple coaching philosophy to the table as the team look to build on last year’s inaugural season. 

“For me I want the players to express themselves,” said Walker.  

“We need to give them a strong core knowledge and basic skills. The more we can develop those areas, the better their ability to show what they’ve been selected for.”

Walker, who also coaches the Auckland Storm in the Farah Palmer Cup, said he enjoys coaching in the women’s space as it presents a different challenge to men’s rugby.

“It’s unique in the fact you can have someone who’s been playing for 10 years and another who’s just picked up the game in the last six months - both playing in the same team. 

“As a coach I have to figure out how to balance the expectations of each athlete. It’s a challenge that I enjoy, it's not easy, but that’s part of the journey,” he said.

There’s also building an environment and culture for the athletes to thrive in.

“A big part of the environment we try to build is around enjoyment - both enjoyment of the game and enjoying each other’s company. That’s how we get the best out of our players,” said Walker.

“The key is balancing the fun and joking around with ‘switching on’ when you cross the line - the team are really receptive to those messages which helps in building a really strong, robust team culture.”  

Blues CEO, Andrew Hore, said it was great to ensure coaching continuity for the nib Blues.

“Both the team and wider club are very happy to have Willie back for another season with our nib Blues,” said Hore.

“He is a well-regarded and highly popular figure in women’s rugby across our region, so to sign Willie on again made perfect sense.”

With an extended Sky Super Rugby Aupiki draw released today, Walker and his players can look forward to three competition rounds before both Semi-Finals and Finals weekends.

“It’s great to see Super Rugby Aupiki grow from last season,” said Walker. 

“It’s a competition that exposes our top female players to high quality, competitive rugby which is only going to benefit the women’s game in the long term.”

“Some players will have a goal of playing for the Black Ferns, so it’s my job to help guide them along that process and along with my fellow support staff ensure they have the tools to succeed.”

nib Blues fixtures:

Matatū v nib Blues | Saturday 25 February | Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin | 4:45pm

nib Blues v Chiefs Manawa | Saturday 4 March | North Harbour Stadium, Auckland | 2:05pm

Hurricanes Poua v nib Blues | Saturday 11 March | Sky Stadium, Wellington | 4:35pm

Semi-Finals | Sunday 19 March | North Harbour Stadium, Auckland | TBC

Final/Third Place Playoff | Saturday 25 March | FMG Stadium, Hamilton | TBC