By Hannah Blackwell
New Zealander Reinga Bloxham has been backed to make a major impact for Cardiff Dragons next season.
The Welsh capital club – who were given one of the eight places in the new elite structure for British netball next season – have appointed Bloxham as their head coach for next season’s revamped Netball Super League (NSL).
The announcement comes two days after the Kiwi coach revealed she was stepping down as head coach of Southern Steel after 11 years with the ANZ Premiership side.
Last season Dragons were coached by Jill McIntosh and enjoyed their best campaign in several years, finishing eighth with six wins from 18.
LexisNexis Cardiff Dragons are delighted to announce the appointment of Reinga Bloxham as the new Head Coach for the Franchises Netball Super League squad.
To read more about it follow this link https://t.co/KHvnfNu8at pic.twitter.com/XrYL0eKdYv
— LexisNexis Cardiff Dragons (@cardiffdragons_) July 15, 2024
The club announced earlier in July that McIntosh would take up the post of coaching consultant in 2025.
“We are thrilled to welcome Reinga to the LexisNexis Cardiff Dragons family,” said Dragons chief executive Vicki Sutton.
“Her expertise, and vision make her the perfect fit to lead our team. We are confident that under her guidance, the Dragons will reach new heights and continue to grow both in skill and spirit, building on the stellar work of Jill McIntosh in recent seasons.”
Former New Zealand international and A team coach Bloxham was an assistant coach for Welsh Feathers at the 2023 World Cup in South Africa.
Cardiff Dragons have appointed Reinga Bloxham as their head coach for next season's revamped Netball Super League ✅#BBCNetball pic.twitter.com/vkgSOF5zvT
— BBC Sport Wales (@BBCSportWales) July 15, 2024
Dragons will be one of eight fully professional franchises in 2025 as Netball Super League is reduced from its current 10 teams.
“I am really looking forward to the opportunity of being the head coach for the LexisNexis Cardiff Dragons,” said Bloxham.
“The challenge of moulding the team and building a strong performance culture that will take us into the new NSL is exciting.
“I am looking forward to working towards achieving our club ambitions and being able to connect to the netball community and fans in Wales.”
Bloxham has been head coach at Southern Steel for the past eight years, guiding them to two ANZ Premiership titles in 2017 and 2018, but they are bottom of the standings after a 2024 season to forget with 11 losses from 13 games.
She has also been an assistant coach to the Silver Ferns.
Reinga Bloxham has been appointed as the new head coach of Cardiff Dragons ✅#BBCNetball pic.twitter.com/aRDi8VIit2
— BBC Sport Wales (@BBCSportWales) July 15, 2024