Smith has already started working with Black Ferns Director of Rugby Allan Bunting but will not start his role with the All Blacks until after the 2023 Rugby World Cup when new Head Coach Scott Robertson takes up the role.

Smith said he was grateful to be able to continue his long association with the legacy of the black jersey and New Zealand Rugby (NZR).

“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.”

Smith, who masterminded the Black Ferns 2022 Rugby World Cup championship run as Head Coach, said he would continue to challenge norms and encourage coaches and players to think outside the box.

“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”.

NZR CEO Mark Robinson said Smith would be the Performance Coach to sit across the Black Ferns and All Blacks, and the new role would continue a legacy of innovation and excellence.

“Smithy’s input and insights on the shape of the game and trends in the game internationally will be of enormous benefit to coaches and players, but more than that his integrity, honesty, passion for the jersey and care for the legacy of the black jersey are invaluable.

“We are very fortunate to have someone of his calibre in our game and involved with our two top national teams the Black Ferns and the All Blacks. I know he is excited and energised by the challenge ahead and I’m confident our players, fans and stakeholders will feel the same way.”

Wayne Smith – All Black #806 – 17 Tests 1980-1985

2023: Black Ferns and All Blacks Performance Coach (commencing November 2023)
2022: Black Ferns Head Coach (Rugby World Cup winners)
2018: Kobelco Steelers Director of Coaching (Back-to-back Top League Japanese championships)
2015-2017: All Blacks Assistant Coach
2012-2014: Chiefs Assistant Coach
2012: Queen’s Birthday and Diamond Jubilee Honours, he was appointed a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to rugby
2004-2011: All Blacks (Assistant Coach)
2001-2004: Northampton Saints Coach (England)
2000-2001: All Blacks Head Coach
1997-1999: Crusaders Head Coach (back-to-back Super Rugby titles 1998-1999)

With thanks to NZ Rugby

Indeed it did. He is now the man in charge. His task is as heavy as Glenn Moore’s was once the 2021 Northern Tour started unravelling, only he has five months fewer in which to achieve the big national ambition, to win a sixth World Cup.

Across the decades the All Blacks didn’t feel the lack of regular competition against the rest of the world. They could rest assured of victories when they mattered.

But Black Ferns rugby was a different case. They too enjoyed unparalleled success but suffered from neglect by NZR for too long. Past reviews pointed out shortcomings and sensible improvements; they were ignored. Perhaps the assumption as the top was that Kiwi rugby players will always turn up trumps; no need to give them preferential treatment. In these early days of female professionalism that neglect has proved costly.

Still, the results of the four matches against England and France came as an unpleasant shock, made all the worse because of the imminent home World Cup. When Dr Farah Palmer made a successful bid for the 2021 RWC, the unspoken assumption was that the New Zealand team would carry all before them, as they had just done in the Belfast final.

Now, six months before kick-off, a new man is in charge. At least his assistants are familiar faces to the squad.

Wesley Clarke, born in South Africa, moved to New Zealand and turned to coaching only after injuries prevented him from playing. His wife is none other than Farah Palmer, perhaps the greatest name of all in Aotearoa women’s rugby.

Whitney Hansen became a familiar face on the touchline during the last autumn tour. She played her last game as recently as 2018 for Canterbury, but was already transitioning to a coaching role. Crucially she was chosen for the RWC 2021 Coaching Internship Programme.

New Zealand have joined the small band of other nations adapting to a new (semi-)professional existence. How quickly can standards improve?

The evidence so far is that part-time contracts cannot possibly compete with full-time. Hence the Red Roses stand head and shoulders above their competitors.

A basic requirement is fitness. If you are still in employment outside the game for part of the week, you cannot hope to be in the same condition as your full-time rivals. How far can the Black Ferns, especially the forwards, improve their fitness levels over the intervening period?

It will be fascinating to compare the advance of those other nations dipping their toes into the pro-game, France, Italy, New Zealand and Wales. Only France have grown accustomed to their new status; it helped them see off the Black Ferns with plenty to spare.

We will get more precise answers over the coming summer (winter in New Zealand) as touring plans are announced. No nation has yet published any details.

Smith is no stranger to World Cup success, as part of the All Blacks coaching set up for the back-to-back Rugby World Cup wins in 2011 and 2015. As a coach of the All Blacks, he oversaw more than 200 Tests over almost two decades.

New Zealand Rugby Head of High Performance Mike Anthony said Smith’s eagerness to assist the Black Ferns in their World Cup preparations further strengthens the campaign.

“We’re in regular contact with Wayne and he saw an opportunity to put his hand up to support the current Black Ferns set up in what is a massive year with a home World Cup.

“He’s already gone through reviewing their recent matches and has some good insights in where the team can grow. We’ve seen some real excitement from the current management group and player leaders around what he will bring to the set up,” said Anthony.

Smith said his desire to get involved with the Black Ferns goes back to his relationship with women’s rugby stalwart at legend Laurie O’Reilly. Namesake for the trophy played between the Black Ferns and Australia, O’Reilly recruited Smith into the women’s game in the late 1980’s in Canterbury.

“My want to get involved with the Black Ferns started as a tribute to Laurie who was a great mate and mentor of mine. I indicated to him before he passed away that I would help the women’s rugby in whatever way I could and now I get the chance.”

“The coaching group is all on the same page around the type of game we need to play to win the World Cup; there is a lot of work to be done to get there but it is going to be exhilarating,” said Smith.

The Black Ferns are preparing for the Pacific Four Series, where they will play Canada, USA and Australia in June this year.

With thanks to New Zealand Rugby