New Zealand's Reinga Bloxham takes interim charge of Wales for World Cup qualifying
The short version
- Reinga Bloxham named interim head coach of the Welsh Feathers
- Wales finished 10th at the Commonwealth Games; Emily Handyside's exit was planned beforehand
- Qualifier in East Kilbride: Wales face Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and Scotland; top two reach the 2027 World Cup
- Bloxham led Dragons to fifth in the NSL and was named coach of the year
The Dragons coach, fresh off a coach-of-the-year season in the Netball Super League, will guide the Welsh Feathers into this weekend's qualifiers in East Kilbride.
Wales have turned to Reinga Bloxham on an interim basis as they chase a place at the 2027 Netball World Cup in Australia. The New Zealander, who also coaches the Dragons, takes over from Emily Handyside — a change that was planned before this summer's Commonwealth Games, where Wales finished 10th.
Bloxham guided the Dragons to fifth in the Netball Super League last season and earned the league's coaching award. She previously worked with the national side as team manager in Glasgow. She told BBC Sport Wales she felt honored by the appointment and, despite not being Welsh, takes real pride in leading the squad.
The qualifier runs this weekend in East Kilbride, with Wales meeting Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and Scotland. The top two teams advance. Bloxham has set a target of winning all three matches rather than simply settling for the two victories needed.
Players have responded warmly. Goal shooter Georgia Rowe described her new coach as open-minded and approachable, saying the squad has regained its confidence. Captain Bethan Partridge praised the clarity Bloxham has provided, while recalled goal defence Millie Carter said the group fully believes in what she is building.
Her deal currently covers only these three fixtures, and Bloxham said her thinking on wanting the role full-time has changed in recent months, adding that the coming weeks will decide what happens next.