Riki Flutey Embraces New Role with Black Ferns Ahead of Women’s Rugby World Cup
Riki Flutey, the former England international and British & Irish Lion, is fully immersed in his role as backs and skills coach for the Black Ferns, yet he can’t help but chuckle while waiting for a reply from old colleague John Mitchell.
“I’ve sent him a couple of photos of us together, arms around each other,” Flutey says with a grin. “I’m sure he’ll send one back at some point. He’s got a huge job leading the Red Roses!”
The two were part of Japan’s coaching staff at the last Rugby World Cup in France 2023, but now find themselves on opposite sides, with Flutey guiding New Zealand’s team and Mitchell leading England’s.
Since joining the Black Ferns in April, Flutey has been struck by the remarkable team culture of the six-time world champions. “Allan Bunting has created an environment based on connection and service,” Flutey says. “The relationships here—management to management, management to players, and player to player—are genuine and strong. It’s really something special.”
Unlike the strict, high-pressure settings Flutey experienced in men’s Super Rugby, he finds the Black Ferns’ approach refreshing. “There are no formal team-building exercises. It’s just music, conversation, and genuine connection. On game day, everyone is relaxed, enjoying the moment, which helps us clear our minds and focus.”
Flutey brings more than just professional experience; he has long been involved in women’s rugby through his daughter, Madison. Inspired by watching Portia Woodman-Wickliffe during the Rio 2016 Sevens, Madison, now a talented player herself, has been coached by her father from club rugby through school and into Otago Spirit, one of New Zealand’s top domestic teams.
“She’s always loved having me there,” Flutey says. “Even when I tried to step back because my sons were complaining, Maddie insisted, ‘No, you have to coach us.’ That experience has helped me transition into my role with the Black Ferns.”
Flutey has been tasked with nurturing emerging talent, including 18-year-old full-back Braxton Sorensen-McGee and Sevens convert Jorja Miller, helping them excel in broken-field attack and creating space during play. His impact is clear: the Black Ferns have already scored 18 tries in wins over Spain and Japan.
Despite his enthusiasm, Flutey is keeping focus on the present rather than imagining a clash with Mitchell. “We’re third in the world rankings, and the Ireland game will be massive. We lost to them last year, so every match is a priority. England is strong, but right now, we concentrate on our next challenge.”
Looking beyond the immediate World Cup, Madison is set to continue her rugby journey in England, joining Exeter Chiefs in the Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR) league. Her connection to the Red Roses’ environment began when Mitchell invited them to watch England training during WXV 2023 in New Zealand. Madison’s talent has since caught the attention of Exeter coach Susie Appleby, further extending Flutey’s influence in women’s rugby on an international scale.
While Flutey navigates his professional commitments, he balances parental guidance with letting Madison pursue her ambitions. “She said she wanted to play for England, like me and the British & Irish Lions,” he recalls. “Since joining this role, she’s been reconsidering, but I just told her, ‘You do you, sweetie.’ For now, it’s all about me and the Black Ferns, preparing them for the challenges ahead.”
Under Flutey’s guidance, the Black Ferns combine skill development with a positive, connected team culture, aiming to continue their legacy at the Women’s Rugby World Cup while fostering the next generation of stars.
