Hibiscus Coast have appointed former Tauranga Moana and Western Springs coach Caleb Ward to lead their 2025 Lotto NRFL Women’s Premiership campaign.

Ward, 30, led Tauranga Moana to the Lotto NRFL Women’s Championship title last season, earning the side promotion to the Premiership.

He replaces Asher Trotter, who left Hibiscus Coast in September 2024 after six seasons to take up a role with the Samoan men’s national team.

Ward was previously at Western Springs (2021-2023), where he was part of the coaching staff that helped Springs to win the 2023 Kate Sheppard Cup, and qualify for the Women’s National League.

In 2024, he also coached Eastern Suburbs in the girls’ Youth National League. Gray currently coaches the Westlake Girls’ first team and oversees the school’s football programme.

Announcing his appointment, Hibiscus Coast said: “Caleb’s dedication to the game, women’s first team experience and ability to develop young players make him the perfect leader for this next phase of our journey.”

Competing in the 2025 Lotto NRFL Women’s Premiership are:

• Auckland United (defending champions)
• West Coast Rangers
• Eastern Suburbs
• Western Springs
• Fencibles United
• Hibiscus Coast
• Ellerslie
• Tauranga Moana (promoted)

Meanwhile, experienced coach Luca Vasori has been appointed as the women’s and girl’s director of football for Auckland clubs East Coast Bays and Hibiscus Coast.

He will also coach the East Coast Bays women’s first team.

Friends of Football