Legendary All Blacks coach’s daughter takes over Black Ferns’ coaching reins
The Black Ferns during the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup in England and their new head coach Whitney Hansen (inset).
New Zealand Rugby (NZRU) have announced the appointment of Whitney Hansen as the new Black Ferns head coach through to the end of 2027.
Hansen succeeds Allan Bunting as the 13th Black Ferns head coach since Laurie O’Reilly took charge of the team in 1991, and she becomes the second woman to hold the position after Vicky Dombroski in 1994.
The 38-year-old, who is the daughter of legendary former All Blacks coach Sir Steve Hansen, will oversee 11 Tests in her first year, followed by a historic British & Irish Lions series in New Zealand in 2027.
“It’s an honour to be asked to lead the programme and an exciting time to take on the role of head coach,” said Hansen. “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.
“I can’t wait to get started.
Hoping to ‘inspire women and girls’ players and coaches’
“If my appointment can inspire women and girls’ players and coaches in New Zealand that’s a great result. It is so important that we keep investing in growing great coaches of the women’s game, both female and male.
“The Black Ferns are the pinnacle in this pathway and I’m looking forward to helping this group reach their full potential.”
Hansen, who previously worked as a Black Ferns assistant coach during the 2021 Women’s Rugby World Cup 2021 (played in 2022) in New Zealand, will head the Black Ferns coaching staff with Tony Christie and Riki Flutey joining as her assistants.
The Black Ferns’ wider coaching and management group will be confirmed in the new year.
Hansen is a teacher by trade who represented Canterbury as a player and she has held senior coaching roles at every level of the game, from club rugby to the Black Ferns.
She was as an assistant coach for Matatū during their Sky Super Rugby Aupiki title-winning campaign in 2023 before serving s the club’s head of Rugby for the past two seasons.
Prior to her stint with Matatū, Hansen was in charge of Canterbury’s set piece from 2020 to 2023. She was also part of the Farah Palmer Cup team, which won two titles in three years, before becoming the inaugural head coach of the Black Ferns XV in 2024.
NZR chairperson David Kirk is delighted with Hansen’s appointment and is backing her to be successful in her new position.
‘The right coach at the right time’
“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 said.
“Her depth of character, commitment, knowledge of the game and understanding of our pathways stand out, and she has a proven track record at every level.
“The Black Ferns have a challenging and exciting 11-Test schedule in 2026, and we firmly believe Whitney is the person to lead the programme through what will be a period of significant growth for women’s rugby in New Zealand and globally.”
NZR general manager professional rugby and performance Chris Lendrum echoed Kirk’s sentiments.
“Whitney’s vision for the Black Ferns and the pathways for players is outstanding. It is clear from the results she has achieved and the feedback from those who have worked with her that she is the best person to take on the Black Ferns Head Coach role.
“We are excited about what Whitney will bring to the role and the team of coaches and management she will assemble in 2026 for the start of an exciting new era for international women’s rugby.”
Lendrum was part of the selection panel that appointed Hansen alongside NZR head of women’s high performance Hannah Porter, NZR board member and former All Black Keven Mealamu, All Blacks assistant coach Jason Ryan, and another ex-All Black James Parsons who is also the New Zealand Rugby Players’ Association representative.
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