Whitney Hansen Appointed New Head Coach of Black Ferns Until 2027

Whitney Hansen has been appointed as the new head coach of the Black Ferns, making her only the second woman to lead the team in its history. Hansen takes over from Allan Bunting and will hold the position until the end of 2027. She follows in the footsteps of Vicky Dombroski, who was the first female to coach the Black Ferns back in 1994.

As the 13th head coach of the Black Ferns, Hansen brings a wealth of experience, having previously served as an assistant coach during the team’s successful campaign at the 2022 Women’s Rugby World Cup. In her first year, she will lead the team through 11 Tests and prepare for the historic British & Irish Lions Series in 2027.

Hansen’s Vision for the Future

In a statement, Hansen expressed her excitement about the opportunity. “It’s an honour to be asked to lead the programme and an exciting time to take on the role of head coach,” she said. “There is generational talent coming through in women’s rugby in New Zealand, and the new international calendar represents a huge opportunity to further enhance the legacy of the Black Ferns.”

She emphasized the importance of inspiring future generations of players and coaches. “If my appointment can inspire women and girls’ players and coaches in New Zealand, that’s a great result,” Hansen added. “It is so important that we keep investing in growing great coaches of the women’s game, both female and male.”

Hansen has a rich background in rugby. A former player for Canterbury, she has held coaching roles across all levels of the sport, from club rugby to the national team. Most recently, she was the head coach of Matatu, leading them to the 2023 Super Rugby Aupiki title.

Support from New Zealand Rugby Leadership

New Zealand Rugby chair David Kirk praised Hansen’s appointment. “Whitney is the right coach at the right time for the Black Ferns, and we’re excited about what she will bring to the Black Ferns environment over the next two years,” he stated. Kirk highlighted her depth of character and proven track record at every level of the game.

Chris Lendrum, the general manager of professional rugby and performance at New Zealand Rugby, echoed these sentiments, noting that Hansen’s vision for the Black Ferns and player pathways was “outstanding.”

The selection panel that appointed Hansen included Lendrum, Hannah Porter, Keven Mealamu, Jason Ryan, and James Parsons. This diverse group played a crucial role in ensuring that Hansen was the right fit for the program as the Black Ferns prepare for a challenging and exciting schedule ahead.

Hansen’s appointment comes in the wake of Bunting’s departure following a disappointing performance at the 2023 Women’s Rugby World Cup, where the Black Ferns were defeated by Canada in the semifinals. With Hansen at the helm, there is optimism for the team’s future as they look to rebuild and strengthen their standing in international women’s rugby.