Whitney Hansen appointed Black Ferns head coach

New Zealand Rugby has confirmed the appointment of Whitney Hansen as the new head coach of the Black Ferns, with the former international assistant taking charge of the national women’s side through to the end of 2027.

Hansen succeeds Allan Bunting and becomes the 13th head coach of the Black Ferns since the team’s formation in 1991. She is only the second woman to hold the role, following Vicky Dombroski’s appointment in 1994.

Hansen is the daughter of former All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen. She played provincial rugby for Canterbury between 2011 and 2014 before moving into coaching. Her coaching career has included roles within the Canterbury University system, age-grade programmes and senior provincial rugby.

She was part of the Black Ferns coaching group during their Rugby World Cup triumph in 2021 and has since built further experience as head of rugby at Super Rugby Aupiki side Matatu. Prior to that, she coached Canterbury’s set-piece unit, contributing to two Farah Palmer Cup titles.

Hansen said she was honoured to lead the programme and hopes her appointment can inspire more women and girls to pursue careers in rugby, both on and off the field.

“It’s an honour to be asked to lead the programme, and it's an exciting time to take on the role of head coach,” said Hansen.

“If my appointment can inspire women and girls who play or coach rugby in New Zealand, that would be a great result.”

Her tenure begins at a demanding time for the Black Ferns, who are scheduled to play 11 Tests in 2026. The build-up will also include preparations for the first-ever women’s British and Irish Lions Series in 2027, a landmark event in the global women’s game.