Don Tricker appointed New Zealand Rugby High Performance Director

New Zealand Rugby (NZR) has today announced the appointment of experienced high performance expert Don Tricker as the organisation’s High Performance Director.

The role will see Tricker provide leadership over New Zealand rugby’s high performance system, including driving winning national teams, player pathways and coach development.

NZR Interim CEO Steve Lancaster said:

"Don brings a track record of delivering success across elite high-performance environments and we look forward to the impact he will make. Don is highly-respected and has a deep understanding of elite coaching, player development and New Zealand rugby.

“This role has a singular focus on driving our national teams to consistently win. Don will lead a high performance system that is aligned from pathways through to our national teams, with a clear focus on driving a performance culture that reflects the unique identity of New Zealand rugby.”

Tricker will join NZR in November after completing the current Major League Baseball season where he is the Vice President, Player Health & Performance with the San Diego Padres. 

A transition plan is in place that will see Tricker spend time in NZR’s high performance system and national team environments throughout 2026.

Tricker said:

“I’m excited to return to New Zealand and to be involved with New Zealand Rugby. In particular, I’m looking forward to working with two fantastic head coaches in Whitney and Dave, our national team programmes and the NZR high performance team.

“Put simply, my role is about creating a system that develops players that our national teams want to select. To do that we need to be working in partnership with Provincial Unions and Super Rugby clubs.

“Whilst I remain absolutely committed to the Padres, there are windows throughout the baseball season that will allow me to spend time with NZR staff and teams. This will be a period of discovery and understanding the here and now.”