How a Nine-Year-Old Led Riki Flutey to the Black Ferns

How a Nine-Year-Old Led Riki Flutey to the Black Ferns

Former England international and British and Irish Lion Riki Flutey has taken a key role in the Black Ferns coaching team, but the journey began not with a job application—but with his daughter.

Appointed as backs and skills coach for New Zealand’s women’s rugby team in April, Flutey is now helping guide the six-time world champions at the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup. His move into the women’s game was inspired by his daughter Madison, who fell in love with rugby after watching Portia Woodman-Wickliffe star in the Rio 2016 Sevens.

“She’s always loved having dad there, assisting and coaching,” said Flutey. “I’ve tried getting out of it a couple of times… but Maddie was like, ‘No, you can’t. We don’t have any coaches. You have to coach us.’”

Since then, he’s followed her journey through club rugby, school teams, and now elite domestic side Otago Spirit.

From World Cup Rivals to Family Inspiration

Flutey (left) and Red Roses head coach Mitchell worked alongside each other on Japan’s staff for the 2023 Rugby World Cup

Flutey and John Mitchell, current head coach of England’s Red Roses, were once colleagues in Japan’s national setup during the 2023 men’s Rugby World Cup. Today, they’re on opposite sides of the women’s game.

“I’ve sent him a couple of photos of me and him with our arms around each other,” Flutey joked. “I’m sure he’ll reply soon—he’s got a big job leading the ship!”

While Mitchell leads the world’s top-ranked side, Flutey is helping New Zealand rebuild after their recent dominance was challenged. The Black Ferns are currently ranked third, with key Tests like the rematch against Ireland looming large.

But a potential clash with England hasn’t even been discussed in the New Zealand camp.

“We know who they are. They haven’t been beaten in a long time. But we’re not looking ahead,” Flutey said. “One game at a time.”

The Black Ferns’ Unique Culture

Coming from a Super Rugby men’s background with the Highlanders, Flutey was struck by the Black Ferns’ team environment.

“There’s music on, players talking right up to game time—it’s totally different from what I knew as a player,” he said. “But I love it. It’s genuine connection, from players to coaches and across the whole staff.”

His technical focus has been on developing young stars like Braxton Sorensen-McGee and Jorja Miller, with 18 tries scored in wins over Spain and Japan showing progress.

The Flutey Legacy May Cross Borders

Meanwhile, daughter Madison Flutey could soon make a rugby name for herself in the Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR) league. The 16-year-old, born in London, will join Exeter Chiefs for training this winter, following an introduction during England’s WXV preparations in New Zealand in 2023.

Through conversations with England staff and former coach Susie Appleby, Madison—who captained New Zealand’s South Island XV U18s—has stayed in touch, sending video clips and making her ambitions known.

“She said, ‘Dad, I want to play for England, like you did, and the British and Irish Lions,’” Flutey shared.

But with dad now in the Black Ferns’ corner, her loyalties are less certain.

“I just said, ‘You do you, sweetie.’”

Whether their paths cross at this World Cup or down the line, the Fluteys are writing a unique rugby story—built on family, passion, and transcontinental ambition.