She becomes the only women to run a top-10 nation in the world. This is the best possible statement of intent NZR could make, as it attempts to make up for past shortcomings.

In rugby terms Hansen comes from royal Kiwi stock, the daughter of Sir Steve Hansen, head coach of the All Blacks 2012-19. But heredity does not mean doors open automatically.

Hansen was overlooked as the union sought a replacement for Glenn Moore in 2022. Even here she faced strong competition from men such as Willie Walker, Tony Christie and Blair Baxter.

I’ve never believed in great players making great coaches, rather the reverse. Hansen didn’t become a Black Fern, but she was a prominent player for Canterbury. She stood out as a thinker and strategist of the game, so coaching was the obvious way forward. She is young enough to stay in position for a decade or three.

She will need to take care over her coaching staff. All the men she invites on board must be willing to accept her final verdict.

The Outlook

She takes over as the new WXV Global Series comes into view. Yes, there is a current hiatus, long enough for some BFs to seek their fortune overseas. But they will be back in time for the Pacific Four Series and WXV. That means no fewer than eleven tests. Then there’s a Lions tour to salivate over.

It is her good fortune that she can organise a four-year long rebuilding programme, to ensure the Black Ferns regain their former eminence. But recent results show the distance to be made up.

One fascinating side-issue will be her attitude to 7s. It forms a central part of the NZ landscape. But can the BFs really expect to regain control of the Olympic 7s title and a seventh RWC trophy?

That will prove an ongoing dilemma. Supporters don’t mind which format is on offer, so long as black shirts win.

Can Hansen build a side capable of holding off Canada; France and England? It’s a big ask.

Side-note

Hansen is given the same limited time-scale asFrançois Ratier in France, just two years. At least in Ratier’s case, he can enjoy a further two if his school reports justify them.

This time-limit is all too redolent of modern-day football. The team loses – “sack the boss!” People in charge need elbow-room and patience to achieve their ends. Is the selection panel not totally convinced of its judgement?

By the way, the panel of five contained only one woman. Some things never change.

Hansen succeeds Allan Bunting as the 13th Black Ferns Head Coach since Laurie O’Reilly took the reins in 1991, and second woman to hold the position after Vicky Dombroski in 1994. She will oversee 11 Tests in her first year followed by an historic British & Irish Lions Series 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,” 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.

“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 was a Black Ferns Assistant Coach during the successful Women’s Rugby World Cup 2021 (played in 2022) campaign, will be joined by Assistant Coaches Tony Christie and Riki Flutey, with the wider coaching and management group to be confirmed in the new year.

A teacher by trade who represented Canterbury in her playing days, she has held senior coaching roles at every level of the game, from club rugby to the Black Ferns.

She was Matatū Assistant Coach of the 2023 Sky Super Rugby Aupiki title winning side before becoming the club’s Head of Rugby for the past two seasons. From 2020-2023 she was in charge of Canterbury’s set piece in the Farah Palmer Cup as the team won two titles in three years, before becoming the inaugural Head Coach of the Black Ferns XV in 2024.

New Zealand Rugby Chair David Kirk said: “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. 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.”

New Zealand Rugby General Manager Professional Rugby & Performance Chris Lendrum said “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.”

The selection panel that appointed Hansen was made up 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.

Coaching Bio: Whitney Hansen

Hansen’s coaching career began in 2017 at Canterbury University. She coached the Canterbury U18 girls’ representative team in 2018, and the New Zealand Barbarians in 2019 and 2020. In 2021 she was a coaching intern with the Black Ferns during the successful Rugby World Cup campaign in New Zealand.

In Super Rugby Aupiki she was Matatū’s Assistant Coach under Blair Baxter in 2022 and 2023 before becoming the inaugural Head Coach of the Black Ferns XV in 2024. She was appointed Matatū’s Head of Rugby in 2024 and 2025 with a wide brief including improving pathways in the South Island.

Her resume also includes Assistant Coach roles with Canterbury’s Farah Palmer Cup side from 2020-2023 in charge of the set piece as the team won titles in three years.

Whitney is the daughter of Sir Steve Hansen, who was the All Blacks Head Coach between 2012 and 2019. She played 14 games for Canterbury between 2011 and 2014 before turning her hand to coaching.

With thanks to New Zealand Rugby