Waikato Rugby is pleased to announce the return of James Semple as the head coach of the Waitomo Group: Waikato Farah Palmer Cup (FPC) Team.  

Semple, 34, joined Waikato Rugby in 2017 in a rugby development role, before becoming an assistant coach for the Waitomo Group: Waikato FPC team. After two seasons as an assistant coach, he made the step up to head coach and in his second season in the role, led the region to its maiden FPC title in 2021.

After the 2021 season, Semple, loaned his talents to the Blues Women for their Super Rugby Aupiki season, United Matamata Sports in the Premiership Division of Waikato Club Rugby and he was a part of the Black Ferns trials, as one of the coaches of Team Rawata.  

In 2023, he moved to America to take over as head coach of the Rugby New York Ironworkers, helping them to reach the 2023 Major League Rugby (MLR) semi-finals before returning to New Zealand.

Director of Rugby, Andrew Strawbridge, commented on Semple’s appointment stating, “It is with great pleasure that we can announce James Semple will be returning to Waikato to help lead our fantastic women’s team in 2024. He brings a wealth of experience and mana to the role, having built relationships with many of the current players.

He has a proven track record of developing players and achieving success at all levels of the game, here in New Zealand and abroad.”

James Semple is excited about his opportunity to return to the province and coach Waitomo Group: Waikato FPC again, saying, “I am honoured to be back and to continue my journey with Waikato and lead this team once again. The bond I share with this team and the entire organisation is truly special, and I am excited to build upon the foundations that have been laid.

I am committed to the pursuit of excellence and look forward to the challenges and triumphs that lie ahead. Together, we will continue to strive for greatness and write the next chapter in Waikato’s story.”

Semple will take over as head coach of Waikato FPC team immediately, and his first task will be to prepare his coaching staff, management, and team for the upcoming 2024 Farah Palmer Cup season.

Article added: Tuesday 09 April 2024