Gilbert Enoka
Gilbert Enoka is a New Zealand mental performance coach who is well known for his work with the All Blacks, the Black Caps, Silver Ferns, Canterbury Crusaders, and Chelsea Football Club.[1][2]
Early life and education
Enoka was the youngest of six boys.[3] He spent his childhood years in an orphanage.[4][5] He became a PE teacher and represented New Zealand in volleyball on the side.[6]
Enoka went to the University of Canterbury, there he completed a physical education and geography degrees, and gained first class honours in psychology.[7] He played senior rugby as a lock or flanker for University B and was a Canterbury under-20 representative.[8]
Career
Enoka taught at Hillmorton High School.[9] While there, he had a chance meeting with then All Black Wayne Smith when working as a teacher.When Smith moved into coaching he took Enoka with him. While at the All Blacks they became the first team to win consecutive Rugby World Cups.[10] After working with the All Blacks for over 300 matches, Enoka moved into cricket with the England cricket team.[11]
Following this he worked with other sports such as football,[12][13] basketball, rugby league[14] and netball.[15]
In 2016, Enoka was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to sport and psychology.[16]
In February 2023, Enoka was brought on as a short-term consultant with Chelsea.[17]
In the 2024 State of Origin series, Enoka was brought on by NSW coach Michael Maguire to consult the team. They came back from a 1-0 deficit to win the decisive game at Suncorp Stadium.[18]
Author
Enoka is the author of the best selling book Become Unstoppable.[19]
Personal
Enoka is married to Michelle and they have 2 children Ben and Jess.[20]
References
- ^ "Meet Gilbert Enoka: The mental skills coach hired by England for the India Test series". Sport Star. Retrieved 25 November 2025.
- ^ "Gilbert Enoka". Great Coaches Podcast. Retrieved 25 November 2025.
- ^ "Gilbert Enoka's winning formula". E Tangata. Retrieved 25 November 2025.
- ^ "Gilbert Enoka". Wattbike. Retrieved 25 November 2025.
- ^ "Long journey for All Blacks mental skills specialist Gilbert Enoka". Stuff. Retrieved 25 November 2025.
- ^ "Mind guru Gilbert Enoka: 'England are about to go to war, and I want to be in the trench with them'". The Guardian. Retrieved 25 November 2025.
- ^ "Notable Alumni - Gilbert Enoka". University of Canterbury. Retrieved 25 November 2025.
- ^ "Gilbert Enoka's rise from care home to World Cup glory with All Blacks". The Post. Retrieved 25 November 2025.
- ^ "Gilbert Enoka's rise from care home to World Cup glory with All Blacks". The Post. Retrieved 25 November 2025.
- ^ "Gilbert Enoka". Penguin. Retrieved 25 November 2025.
- ^ "Mind guru Gilbert Enoka: 'England are about to go to war, and I want to be in the trench with them'". The Guardian. Retrieved 25 November 2025.
- ^ "Chelsea hire mental skills coach Gilbert Enoka from All Blacks". Chelsea. Retrieved 25 November 2025.
- ^ "Gilbert Enoka". Penguin. Retrieved 25 November 2025.
- ^ "The mental guru guiding Daley towards Origin decider". NRL. Retrieved 25 November 2025.
- ^ "Gilbert Enoka's rise from care home to World Cup glory with All Blacks". The Post. Retrieved 25 November 2025.
- ^ "Gilbert Enoka rides rough journey to inspire New Zealand rugby revolution". Stuff. Retrieved 25 November 2025.
- ^ "Chelsea have hired mental skills coach Gilbert Enoka from rugby's All Blacks. Can he help turn their season around?". ESPN. Retrieved 25 November 2025.
- ^ "All Blacks and Blues Madge's secret weapon to beat Maroons". SMH. Retrieved 25 November 2025.
- ^ "Become Unstoppable by Enoka Gilbert". Penguin. Retrieved 25 November 2025.
- ^ "Gilbert Enoka's rise from care home to World Cup glory with All Blacks". The Post. Retrieved 25 November 2025.