West Coast Rugby names new coach, CEO
- Dave Worsley
- 14 hours ago
- 2 min read
West Coast Rugby have confirmed a new head coach for their Heartland team for 2025 as well as a new CEO.
Hokititka local Jared Mitchell is the new man in charge of the team with his rugby journey starting on the Coast as a junior at Wests, and with various West Coast age group representative sides.
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He went on to represent the Christchurch Boys’ High School’s 1st XV before playing senior club rugby for the University of Canterbury. Despite spending much of his career across the Alps, he never lost his connection to the Coast.
In recent years, Mitchell has been a key figure in the West Coast Heartland team, first as a player, then as a player/assistant coach, and most notably, as part of the history-making 2023 Lochore Cup-winning side under Sean Cuttance, West Coast’s most successful coach in the Heartland era.
His coaching credentials extend beyond the Coast, including stints leading the Canterbury Women’s Sevens team and the Christchurch Boys’ High School Sevens side, while he is currently the assistant coach of the Division 1 University of Canterbury team.
He now returns to his roots, ready to take the helm of West Coast’s premier rugby team.
Meanwhile he West Coast Rugby Union has appointed Josh Costello as new Chief Executive Officer, following the retirement of long-serving CEO, Mike Connors.
Costello brings with him a deep passion for the game, strong community ties, and a clear vision for the future of West Coast rugby.
A proud local with a rich rugby heritage, he is determined to build on the strong foundations laid by his predecessor and ensure the continued growth and sustainability of the sport, from grassroots to schools to representative level.
“Rugby is more than a sport here. It’s a way of life,” Costello said. “It unites us on the field, in the stands, and in our communities. This bond is what inspires me as I step into this role, ready to work to ensure the strength and growth of West Coast Rugby.”
Costello also paid tribute to his predecessor, acknowledging the scale of his contribution to the game on the Coast.
“I’d like to thank Mike Connors for everything he has done for West Coast Rugby. His 31 years of dedicated service have not only built strong foundations but also created a legacy that has shaped our union into what it is today.