Gisborne's Charlie Ngatai (at right) earned his All Black cap at Apia, Samoa in 2015 against Manu Samoa. Now his storied career includes the head coach position with the Ngati Porou East Coast Heartland team this year. Photo / NZ Herald
Gisborne's Charlie Ngatai (at right) earned his All Black cap at Apia, Samoa in 2015 against Manu Samoa. Now his storied career includes the head coach position with the Ngati Porou East Coast Heartland team this year. Photo / NZ Herald
Former All Black, Chiefs and Hurricanes midfielder and formerly Europe-based player Charlie Ngatai has been named as the new Heartland Rugby coach for Ngāti Porou East Coast this season.
The union announced the news through social media.
“Ngāti Porou East Coast Rugby Union is proud to announce the appointment ofCharlie Ngatai as the new Heartland Head Coach for the 2026 season,” the post read.
“Charlie brings a wealth of experience, leadership, and deep rugby IQ to our Coast whānau.”
The union described Ngatai as a “proud product of Gisborne and Ngāti Porou whakapapa”.
“Charlie has represented at the highest levels of the game and now strengthens his connection to home by stepping into this role and contributing to the next chapter of Sky Blues rugby.”
Charlie Ngatai at Chiefs rugby training in Hamilton, January 2013. Photo / NZME
Ngatai earned an All Black cap in 2015 and was a Māori All Blacks representative.
He was a Super Rugby 100-game player with the Chiefs and Hurricanes, and played professionally in Europe with Lyon and Ulster.
“We are excited to welcome Charlie into this role. His experience, humility, and leadership will be invaluable as we build on the foundations laid before us and continue striving for growth across our union, our clubs, and our community.”
Ngatai’s All Black career was cut short by injury.
He was born in Gisborne, to Kirk and Lisa Ngatai, and is of Ngati Porou and Te Whanau-a-Apanui and Te Whakatohea iwi.
Ngatai attended Gisborne Boys’ High School, where he captained the First XV rugby team.
In 2007, he attended the Sydney Youth Olympics as a sprinter.
Ngāti Porou East Coast Rugby Union also formally acknowledged and farewelled Kahu Tamatea, who concluded his tenure as Heartland head coach after four years of service to NPEC rugby.
“We thank Kahu for the time, energy and commitment he has given to our union and our community throughout his time in the role.
“We wish him all the very best for his future endeavours.
“He mihi maioha ki a koe, e Kahu, mō tō wā, tō kaha, me tō ngākau pono ki tō tātou kapa me te rohe nei.”
News of Ngatai’s appointment received a stream of positive comments on the NPEC post.
