The Northern Territory Rugby Union is excited to announce the appointment of Junior Po-Ching as the new Pathway Manager, a key role dedicated to identifying, developing and guiding emerging rugby talent across the Territory.
Junior has been an integral part of the Territory rugby community since 2012, both on and off the field. His appointment brings decades of elite playing and coaching experience to the role, along with a genuine passion for growing the game at all levels.
A product of New Zealand’s prestigious rugby system, Junior’s playing career spans representative honours from New Zealand Schools and U19s through to the Manu Samoa national team and NPC sides such as Auckland and Counties Manukau. He has played professionally in New Zealand and Australia, including stints with the Gold Coast Breakers and Palm Beach First Grade.
Off the field, Junior has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to coaching and player development. Since arriving in the NT, he has led numerous junior and senior sides, including the NT Junior Mozzies from 2020–2025 and multiple premiership winning age grade teams with South Darwin Rugby Club. Most recently, he coached the Cougars Men’s A Grade premiership in 2024 - 2025 season.
Junior's leadership, technical expertise and strong community connections make him the ideal person to drive the Territory’s player pathway forward.
His deep rugby knowledge and unwavering commitment to developing young players make him the ideal person to lead NT Rugby’s pathway programs. The Union is thrilled to welcome someone of Junior’s calibre and experience into this important role, confident that his leadership will significantly strengthen the Territory’s player development systems.
As Pathway Manager, Junior will oversee talent identification, coaching development and high performance planning for aspiring Territory players, helping them reach their full potential and progress to higher levels of the game.
For pathway-related enquiries or to connect with Junior, please contact: 📧 junior.poching@nt.rugby
Please join us in congratulating Junior Po-Ching on his appointment and in supporting the continued growth of Territory rugby.
