Hansen appointed Black Ferns coach until 2028

Whitney Hansen hopes her appointment as Black Ferns coach can inspire more women across the game.

New Zealand Rugby announced Hansen’s appointment through to the end of 2027 yesterday, taking over from Allan Bunting, who stepped down after the Rugby World Cup.

Hansen, who is the daughter of former All Black coach Steve Hansen, will become the 13th head coach and the second woman following Vicky Dombroski in 1994.

"It’s an honour to be asked to lead the programme and an exciting time to take on the role of head coach," Hansen 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.

"I can’t wait to get started."

She will be joined by assistants Tony Christie and Otago’s Riki Flutey, with the wider coaching and management group to be confirmed next year.

Hansen said if her securing the country’s top gig in women’s rugby inspired people then "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."

She will hit the ground running, with a packed calendar featuring 11 tests in 2026.

France will tour New Zealand as part of a new WXV Global Series, replacing WXV1, and the Black Ferns are also scheduled to play Australia and South Africa.

Hansen will also be in charge when the Black Ferns host the first British and Irish Lions series in 2027.

After playing for Canterbury — and training as a teacher — Hansen transitioned into coaching through club and representative levels.

She ran Canterbury’s set piece in the Farah Palmer Cup from 2020 to 2023, where they won two titles in three years, before becoming the Black Ferns XV inaugural head coach in 2024.

She served as assistant coach of Matatu in 2023, when they won the Super Rugby Aupiki title, and took over as head coach for 2024 and 2025, where they were runners-up this season.

She was also the Black Ferns assistant coach during the home World Cup in 2022, where the Black Ferns beat England to lift the title.

NZR chairman David Kirk said Hansen was the perfect person to lead the Black Ferns through a period of "significant growth for women’s rugby".

"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," Kirk 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."

NZR general manager professional rugby and performance Chris Lendrum praised Hansen’s appointment.

"Whitney’s vision for the Black Ferns and the pathways for players is outstanding," Lendrum said.

"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."

The Black Ferns selection panel consisted of Lendrum, 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 New Zealand Rugby Players’ Association representative James Parsons.