The baton of leadership for the Black Ferns has been passed to Whitney Hansen, daughter of the legendary All Blacks coach Sir Steve Hansen, who will steer the team until 2027. Stepping into the spotlight after Allan Bunting, Hansen becomes just the second woman to head the esteemed squad since Vicky Dombroski back in 1994. As she takes the reins, the new head coach looks forward to a groundbreaking British & Irish Lions series and a jam-packed schedule that could redefine women's rugby in New Zealand.
At 38, Whitney Hansen is no stranger to rugby's rigorous demands, both on and off the field. Her resume boasts a stint as an assistant coach for the Black Ferns during the 2021 Women’s Rugby World Cup and pivotal roles in domestic rugby, including a leadership position at Matat? and a crucial tenure with Canterbury. "It’s an honour to be asked to lead the programme and an exciting time to take on the role of head coach," Hansen remarked, emphasizing the surge of generational talent and the promising new international calendar poised to elevate the Black Ferns' legacy further.
"If my appointment can inspire women and girls’ players and coaches in New Zealand that’s a great result."
NZR chairperson David Kirk lauded Hansen as the ideal choice for this pivotal moment. "Whitney is the right coach at the right time for the Black Ferns," he stated, commending her deep understanding of the game and commitment. Chris Lendrum, NZR's general manager of professional rugby and performance, also praised Hansen's clear vision and proven track record, expressing enthusiasm for her leadership as the Black Ferns gear up for a challenging eleven-test schedule in 2026.
With the coaching staff set to be finalized early next year, the rugby community is abuzz with anticipation. Hansen's appointment not only marks a significant milestone in her career but also signifies a potent shift towards enhancing the coaching landscape for women's rugby in New Zealand. As the Black Ferns prepare for their upcoming endeavors under Hansen's guidance, the rugby world watches keenly, expecting nothing short of excellence and innovation from the new era of leadership.
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The baton of leadership for the Black Ferns has been passed to Whitney Hansen, daughter of the legendary All Blacks coach Sir Steve Hansen, who will steer the team until 2027. Stepping into the spotlight after Allan Bunting, Hansen becomes just the second woman to head the esteemed squad since Vicky Dombroski back in 1994. As she takes the reins, the new head coach looks forward to a groundbreaking British & Irish Lions series and a jam-packed schedule that could redefine women's rugby in New Zealand.
At 38, Whitney Hansen is no stranger to rugby's rigorous demands, both on and off the field. Her resume boasts a stint as an assistant coach for the Black Ferns during the 2021 Women’s Rugby World Cup and pivotal roles in domestic rugby, including a leadership position at Matat? and a crucial tenure with Canterbury. "It’s an honour to be asked to lead the programme and an exciting time to take on the role of head coach," Hansen remarked, emphasizing the surge of generational talent and the promising new international calendar poised to elevate the Black Ferns' legacy further.
"If my appointment can inspire women and girls’ players and coaches in New Zealand that’s a great result."
NZR chairperson David Kirk lauded Hansen as the ideal choice for this pivotal moment. "Whitney is the right coach at the right time for the Black Ferns," he stated, commending her deep understanding of the game and commitment. Chris Lendrum, NZR's general manager of professional rugby and performance, also praised Hansen's clear vision and proven track record, expressing enthusiasm for her leadership as the Black Ferns gear up for a challenging eleven-test schedule in 2026.
With the coaching staff set to be finalized early next year, the rugby community is abuzz with anticipation. Hansen's appointment not only marks a significant milestone in her career but also signifies a potent shift towards enhancing the coaching landscape for women's rugby in New Zealand. As the Black Ferns prepare for their upcoming endeavors under Hansen's guidance, the rugby world watches keenly, expecting nothing short of excellence and innovation from the new era of leadership.