Bedwell-Curtis and Carr join Yarrows Taranaki Bulls coaching team for 2026
Taranaki Rugby has confirmed Heiden Bedwell-Curtis as Defence Coach and Michael Carr as Attack Coach of the Yarrows Taranaki Bulls for the 2026 NPC season.
The two appointments add a pair of respected Taranaki rugby men to Head Coach Jarrad Hoeata's group, both of whom have shaped the local game as players and as coaches.
The appointments follow the news that Brad Cooper has opted not to return to the Yarrows Taranaki Bulls for the 2026 NPC season after four years as Attack Coach. Taranaki Rugby thanks Brad for his contribution over that period and wishes him well.
Heiden Bedwell-Curtis returns to the Yarrows Taranaki Bulls environment after a long professional playing career that took him from Taranaki out into Super Rugby and on to Japan. Heiden played Super Rugby with both the Crusaders and the Hurricanes and was part of the Crusaders' title-winning campaigns in 2017 and 2018 before spending six seasons in Japan with the Mitsubishi Dynaboars and Honda Heat. Since returning home, he provided vital leadership in the successful 2023 NPC campaign. Now moving into coaching with the Inglewood CMK premier side, he has also been part of the Chiefs' coach development programme, bringing a sharp, modern defensive eye to the group.
Michael Carr is one of the most experienced and successful CMK club coaches in the province. A former Yarrows Taranaki Bulls representative who captained the Taranaki colts and sat in the wider squad through the mid-1990s Ranfurly Shield era, he has coached across two decades at New Plymouth Old Boys, guiding the premier side to championships in 2015, 2018 and 2023. Alongside his club work he has given nine years to Taranaki's representative pathways across the Under 20, Development and Roller Mills programmes, making him a natural fit to lead the Bulls' attack.
“I’m excited to bring two highly respected coaches into our environment,” Yarrows Taranaki Bulls Head Coach Jarrad Hoeata said.
“Heiden already has a strong connection with our current playing group and has earned the respect of the players. His experience across all levels of the game, both as a player and a coach, will add real value to what we’re building.”
“Jimi is one of the most respected figures in Taranaki sport. Throughout his coaching career, he’s consistently built successful teams and strong environments, and we’re fortunate to have that experience within our programme.”
“Both men have a deep pride in the Amber and Black jersey, and I’m looking forward to working alongside them as we continue to build for the 2026 season.”
Taranaki Rugby Coach Development Lead Mike Kainga will continue to provide scrum support for the campaign.
The 2026 coaching group will begin to assemble at the end of June.
Heiden Bedwell-Curtis, Defence Coach
- Former Yarrows Taranaki Bulls representative
- Super Rugby with the Crusaders and the Hurricanes
- Part of the Crusaders' 2017 and 2018 Super Rugby title-winning squads
- Six seasons in Japan with the Mitsubishi Dynaboars and Honda Heat
- CMK Premiership coach at Inglewood
- Involved in the Chiefs' coach development programme
Michael Carr, Attack Coach
- Former Yarrows Taranaki Bulls representative
- Coached across two decades at New Plymouth Old Boys
- NPOB CMK Premier championships in 2015, 2018 and 2023
- Nine years across Taranaki representative pathways: Under 20 (2 years), Development (4 years) and Roller Mills (3 years)
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