Michael Maguire appointed New Zealand coach

New Zealand Rugby League have confirmed that Michael Maguire has been appointed to lead the Kiwis as head coach.

The Australian coach has a very impressive CV, having won the Super League Grand Final, League Leaders Shield and Challenge Cup in his two years with Wigan Warriors in 2010 and 2011.

Since then, he has won an NRL Premiership, NRL Auckland Nines and World Club Challenge with South Sydney Rabbitohs.

And Maguire is delighted to have landed the Kiwis job.

He said: “New Zealand already supplies a lot of the top talent in the National Rugby League and English Super League and they’ve got the biggest nursery as well as the most vocal, passionate and knowledgeable fans.

“Pride in that jersey isn’t just for players, it’s for the whole of New Zealand. That’s the task facing us all at the refreshed NZRL. I’m really excited to join Reon (Edwards, chairman) and the team to help build a winning culture that brings New Zealand back to the top of the rugby league world.

“2017 may not have gone in favour of the Kiwis but the beauty of that is the opportunity to reflect and reset. My full focus now is on the Kiwis and what we can do to build processes that manifest success which is centred around the respect for the black and white jersey.”

Maguire will lead the Kiwis against England in a mid-season Test in Denver on June 23.