Hockey Australia appoints Rhett Halkett as Hockeyroos Head Coach

Hockey Australia (HA) is pleased to announce the appointment of former South African international Rhett Halkett as the new Head Coach of the Hockeyroos.

Halkett, who represented South Africa in 155 international matches, takes on the role following the resignation of Katrina Powell, who played 252 games for the Hockeyroos and served as Head Coach for the past five years.

The appointment follows a four-week targeted recruitment process, with the HA Board approving Halkett’s selection based on his extensive international experience, leadership qualities and athlete-centred coaching approach.

Halkett, who only retired from playing six years ago after an accomplished career with both South Africa and German powerhouse UHC Hamburg, has since built an impressive coaching resume. His experience includes Assistant Coaching roles with UHC Hamburg Women, the Netherlands Women’s National Team, and the Indian Men’s National Team.

“To lead the Hockeyroos, Hockey Australia targeted a recent international player with deep international experience in Europe and a proven, athlete-centred performance philosophy,” said HA President Ross Sudano.

“Both through the recruitment process and in his time as Assistant Coach this year, Rhett has shown these qualities in abundance. We are future-driven and excited by what he can bring to this role.”

Supporting Halkett in the national program is Assistant Coach Darren Bisley, who joined the Hockeyroos in June and brings valuable experience from Belgium’s Under-21 men’s development program. 

“Together, Rhett and Darren bring the international exposure and innovation we were seeking to lead the Hockeyroos into their next chapter,” Sudano added.

Halkett’s initial appointment will run for one year (October 2025 – October 2026), aligning with funding cycles from the Australian Sports Commission. Following that, HA will undertake another recruitment process for the coaching period leading toward the Los Angeles 2028 and Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.

“I’m honoured to be given the opportunity to lead the Hockeyroos,” said Halkett. “This team has a proud history and an exciting future. With fresh ideas, collaboration, and the incredible talent within our program, I’m looking forward to building momentum through to the World Cup and beyond.”

“I know the Hockeyroos have an incredible legacy from 1988 through 2000,” said Halkett. “My goal is to enable this next generation to create their own legacy. The potential in this group is extremely high, and I’m determined to help them reach it.”

Recognised for his integrity, trust-based leadership, and tactical clarity, Halkett is already implementing a detailed performance vision and training program for the team’s demanding 2026 international calendar.

“I want the Hockeyroos to be difficult to beat and exciting to watch,” Halkett said. “We’ll find the love of scoring goals again and fight for every opportunity, clawing our way through if we have to.”

Halkett and HA High Performance Manager Bernard Savage are also recruiting an additional Assistant Coach, or a flexible coaching panel, to support innovation and encourage greater female participation in elite coaching.

As part of his early planning, Halkett is conducting a comprehensive review of Australia’s top forty players across all levels of development.

“We’re creating detailed, data-driven player profiles and keeping every athlete in consideration for now and the future — whether they’re in Perth, part of the Jillaroos, playing in Hockey One, or overseas,” Halkett said. “We want a transparent and inclusive selection process, and we’ll name the new Hockeyroos squad on December 16.”

The Hockeyroos’ 2025 schedule will be one of their busiest in recent years, including FIH Pro League in February in Hobart, World Cup qualification and pending results, the World Cup in the Netherlands and Belgium (July–August 2026).