Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Timeline
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Andrew Koni iroa

Andrew Koni iroa

Avarua

Summary

Dynamic Strength and Conditioning Coach with a proven track record at the Tupapa Maraerenga club in Rugby and Soccer. Currently appointed as the strength and conditioning coach for the Cook Islands Handball, in preparing the U17 boys for the Youth Olympics 2026. enhancing athlete performance through tailored training programs and injury prevention strategies. Skilled in explosive power training and fostering strong relationships, I promote a culture of dedication and teamwork, leading to significant improvements in athlete accountability and performance.

Experienced with creating and managing effective conditioning programs tailored to individual and team needs. Utilizes evidence-based practices to enhance athletic performance and minimize injury risks. Track record of integrating biomechanics and exercise physiology to deliver optimal training results.

Overview

1
1
year of professional experience

Work History

Strength and Conditioning Coach

Cook Islands Handball Association
08.2025 - Current
  • Developed and implemented programs focused on improving power, speed and endurance.
  • Promoted culture of dedication and hard work.
  • Stayed up-to-date on current research trends in strength and conditioning, applying new techniques as appropriate for improved results.
  • Enhanced functional movement pattern of each athlete.
  • Increased athlete accountability by implementing attendance policies and regularly communicating expectations.

Assistant Coach - Premier Men's Rugby Team

Tupapa Maraerenga Rugby Union Club
06.2025 - 09.2025
  • Developed strong relationship with players to assist in reaching goals, build trust and rapport.
  • Assisted head coach in evaluating player performance, identifying areas for improvement, and providing constructive feedback to ensure continuous growth.
  • Mentored athletes on sportsmanship, leadership skills, and maintaining a strong work ethic both on and off the field.
  • Advised head coach on discipline, performance, and other decision-making areas.
  • Managed drills and fitness circuits to bolster athletes' coordination and performance levels.
  • Assisted in creating and executing practice plans for athletes to help reach highest potential.
  • Observed athletes during practice and game situations to assess performance and provide tips for improvement.
  • Collaborated with head coach to develop and maintain team schedule and practices to enhance preparedness.
  • Promoted positive behavior among student-athletes as a role model consistently demonstrating good sportsmanship principles.
  • Ensured safety of all athletes during practice sessions by enforcing proper techniques and closely monitoring adherence to safety protocols.
  • Developed and implemented training drills to improve team cohesiveness and performance.
  • Organized team-building activities to foster camaraderie and trust among players, leading to improved on-field chemistry.
  • Promoted good sportsmanship with competing teams on- and off-field.
  • Contributed to a winning season through strategic planning, game-day coaching, and fostering an environment of teamwork and dedication.

Strength and Conditioning Coach

Tupapa Maraerenga Rugby League Club
01.2025 - 2025
  • Educated athletes on proper lifting technique, reducing the risk of injury during weight room sessions.
  • Enhanced athlete performance by designing and implementing customized strength and conditioning programs.
  • Developed and implemented programs focused on improving power, speed, and endurance.
  • Created a positive training environment by fostering strong relationships with athletes, coaches, and support staff.
  • Coordinated scheduling with other coaching staff members to ensure seamless integration of strength and conditioning sessions within overall practice plans.
  • Reduced injury rates through detailed assessments, targeted mobility exercises, and proper movement pattern training.
  • Implemented sport-specific conditioning drills to improve athletic capabilities in various team sports.
  • Conducted regular performance testing to assess the efficacy of implemented programs and identify areas of improvement.

Soccer Women's Coach

Tupapa Maraerenga Football Club
07.2024 - 12.2024

Achievements

  • Women’s Domestic Competition Champion – Won both the Round Cup and Knockout Tournament in the Cook Islands.
  • International Qualification – Secured qualification for the Oceania Women’s Club Championship 2025 in Tahiti.

Assistant Coach

Cook Islands Men's National Team
09.2024 - 09.2024
  • Provided support to the head coach in strength and conditioning sessions and monitoring their progress throughout the training program.

Education

No Degree - School of Health And Sports Science

Eastern Institute of Technology
New Zealand
05-2025

No Degree - Strength & Conditioning Level 2 Coaching

World Rugby
World Rugby
02-2023

No Degree - School of Health And Sports Science

Eastern Institute of Technology
New Zealand
12-2022

World Rugby Coach Educator

World Rugby
01-2021

Skills

  • Strength training techniques
  • Technique instruction
  • Personal training background
  • Documentation skills
  • Speed and agility development
  • Periodization planning
  • Corrective exercise implementation
  • Explosive power training
  • Functional movement assessment
  • Sport-specific conditioning
  • Safety oversight
  • Balance and stability training
  • Progress monitoring
  • Injury prevention
  • Strength development

Affiliations

Coaching Experience

· Head Coach – Women’s Rugby League 9s (Vaine Toa)
Preparing and leading a local women’s team for the Fiji International 9s Tournament (November 2025). Responsibilities include squad selection, periodised strength & conditioning programs, technical/tactical development, and performance preparation.

Timeline

Strength and Conditioning Coach

Cook Islands Handball Association
08.2025 - Current

Assistant Coach - Premier Men's Rugby Team

Tupapa Maraerenga Rugby Union Club
06.2025 - 09.2025

Strength and Conditioning Coach

Tupapa Maraerenga Rugby League Club
01.2025 - 2025

Assistant Coach

Cook Islands Men's National Team
09.2024 - 09.2024

Soccer Women's Coach

Tupapa Maraerenga Football Club
07.2024 - 12.2024

No Degree - School of Health And Sports Science

Eastern Institute of Technology

No Degree - Strength & Conditioning Level 2 Coaching

World Rugby

No Degree - School of Health And Sports Science

Eastern Institute of Technology

World Rugby Coach Educator

World Rugby
Andrew Koni iroa