After a robust and competitive process, Waikato Rugby wishes to announce the appointment of Leon Holden as the new Livingstone Waikato Rugby NPC Team Head Coach. Leon has proudly called the Waikato home for the last 35 years and brings to the role over two decades of high performance rugby experience, having coached in both New Zealand and International programmes, including stints in Japan, England and the United States.

He is no stranger to coaching in Provincial Rugby environments nor to Waikato Rugby, having supported Waikato’s NPC Team in 2015 to a Ranfurly Shield victory and Waikato’s back-to-back Premiership Winning Waitomo FPC Team as Forwards Coach in 2025. Alongside this, Leon has demonstrated commitment to athlete development taking on roles in the pathway system with the Chiefs U18s, U20s and as a selector for the NZ U19s, U20s and Secondary Schools teams. He has also dedicated time to supporting club rugby through various community coaching roles held throughout his career.  His record of 13 championships in 26 years of coaching from the Northern Hemisphere’s Heineken Cup to club titles shows we have a Head Coach who knows how to win.

On Leon’s appointment, Dr. Amy Marfell, Waikato Rugby’s Chief Executive shared,

“We were incredibly lucky to have significant interest in the position and certainly did not take the responsibility for selection lightly. We have a great NPC team with exceptional athletes, culture and a lot of history and we were looking for someone who could bring the very best out in our group in both a performance and development sense. Leon’s experience and values stood out throughout the process and we’re pleased to welcome him on board as our new Livingstone NPC Team Head Coach. Importantly, Leon has a commitment not just to the NPC team, but to Waikato Rugby and helping us to connect the dots meaningfully between all aspects of the business – community, pathway, performance and commercial. This is something I’m equally committed to in my role and I’m looking forward to working alongside Leon, the other Waikato Rugby staff and our men’s and women’s teams to achieve these goals.”

For Holden, the appointment represents an opportunity to contribute significantly to rugby and to the region. He is excited to take up the role and contribute to the NPC team’s success, committed to building and maintaining strong relationships across the rugby system, and to being part of Waikato Rugby.

On his appointment, Leon shared

“I am honoured and humbled to be offered such a prestigious position.  Re-connecting with all the players, clubs, schools, staff, supporters and sponsors in this magnificent province will be an absolute pleasure for me in 2026.  I look forward to rolling the sleeves up and helping the union achieve all aspirations and goals for tomorrow and the future.”

Waikato Rugby’s attention will now turn to working together with Leon to build a strong, capable and committed NPC Team management group, including the appointment of assistant coaches. Further announcements will follow in due course.

For media inquiries, please contact:
 

Dr. Amy Marfell
amym@mooloo.co.nz

Article added: Monday 01 December 2025