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Whitney Hansen appointed Black Ferns head coach through to 2027
Sport Nation • December 19th, 2025 8:17 am
Whitney Hansen | Photo: Photosport
Whitney Hansen has been appointed the new Black Ferns Head Coach through to the end of 2027, succeeding Allan Bunting and becoming the 13th head coach of the side since Laurie O’Reilly took charge in 1991.
She is the second woman to hold the role after Vicky Dombroski in 1994.
Hansen will oversee an 11-Test schedule in her first year before leading the Black Ferns into the 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.”
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A Black Ferns Assistant Coach during the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2021 campaign (played in 2022), Hansen 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 and former Canterbury representative, Hansen has held senior coaching roles across all levels of the game. She was Matatū Assistant Coach of the 2023 Sky Super Rugby Aupiki title-winning side before becoming the club’s Head of Rugby, led Canterbury’s set piece during two Farah Palmer Cup titles between 2020 and 2023, and was 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.”
NZR General Manager Professional Rugby & Performance Chris Lendrum added, “Whitney’s vision for the Black Ferns and the pathways for players is outstanding.”
