Joe Payton

Joe Payton is a seasoned professional in rugby player development, currently serving as the High Performance Player Development Manager for Women's Rugby at New Zealand Rugby since July 2023. Previous roles include Regional Pathways Lead at High Performance Sport New Zealand and Manager of Sport & Health Performance at Hawkes Bay Community Fitness Centre Trust. With extensive coaching experience, Joe has held positions such as Player Development Manager at Hawke's Bay Rugby Union and Technical Advisor for Samoa Rugby Union. A proven leader, Joe has successfully guided teams such as the Hawkes Bay Under 20s and contributed to the Black Ferns' victory in the 2006 Women's Rugby World Cup. Joe holds a BPhed degree in Exercise Prescription & Management from the University of Otago and a Certificate in Coaching from Massey University.