Wayne Smith appointed as Performance Coach of Black Ferns and All Blacks

New Zealand Rugby has confirmed that Wayne Smith has been appointed as Performance Coach of the All Blacks and Black Ferns.

Smith, who had a stellar coaching career for over 35 years was already the assistant coach of New Zealand between 2015 and 2017 and also was the head coach of New Zealand Women's team that won the Rugby World Cup in 2022.

He has already started working with Black Ferns Director of Rugby Allan Bunting and will be part of the men's team post the 2023 Rugby World Cup when Scott Robertson's takes in charge as head coach.

“I have a deep connection and love for any team that wears the black jersey and particularly the Black Ferns and the All Blacks.

"I also have strong relationships with the respective head coaches and many of the players, so it feels like this role across the two teams is a natural fit, and one where I can hopefully add and contribute to both environments.

“It’s important to consider different perspectives and solutions as coaches. As we head into a new era for the game, I am a great believer in the importance of diversity, of relationships and of people. As a coach I’ve been very fortunate to have been exposed to that through my career”.