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New Cardiff Dragons manager Reinga Bloxham tipped for success in revamped league

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New Cardiff Dragons manager Reinga Bloxham tipped for success in revamped league

By Hannah Blackwell

New Zealander Reinga Bloxham has been named as one of Cardiff Dragons’ big promises for next season.

The Welsh capital club – who have been awarded one of eight places in British netball’s new elite structure 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 New Zealand coach revealed she was stepping down as head coach of Southern Steel after 11 years at the ANZ Premiership side.

Last season, the Dragons were coached by Jill McIntosh and enjoyed their best campaign in several years, finishing eighth with six wins from 18.

The club announced in early July that McIntosh would take on the role of technical advisor 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 choice to lead our team. We are confident that under her guidance, the Dragons will reach new heights and continue to grow in both skill and spirit, building on Jill McIntosh’s stellar work over the past few seasons.”

A former New Zealand international and A-team coach, Bloxham was assistant coach of the Welsh Feathers at the 2023 World Cup in South Africa.

The Dragons will be one of eight fully professional franchises in 2025 as the Netball Super League is reduced from its current 10 teams.

“I am really looking forward to the opportunity to be the head coach of LexisNexis Cardiff Dragons,” said Bloxham.

“The challenge of shaping the team and building a strong performance culture that will take us into the new NSL is exciting.

“I look forward to working towards achieving our club’s ambitions and connecting with the netball community and fans across Wales.”

Bloxham has been Southern Steel’s head coach for the past eight years, guiding them to two ANZ Premiership titles in 2017 and 2018, but they sit bottom of the standings after a 2024 season to forget, with 11 defeats in 13 games.

She was also an assistant coach for the Silver Ferns.

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