New Zealand Rugby (NZR) has announced the new coaching structure for the Black Ferns, taking the team through to Rugby World Cup 2021, played in 2022.

Former All Blacks Coach Wayne Smith, who joined the Black Ferns as Technical Coach earlier this month, moves into the role of Director of Rugby.

He will be assisted by Wesley Clarke and Whitney Hansen. The latter being promoted from the intern coaching role that she has held within the team for the past two years.Whitney Hansen

Whitney Hansen joined the Black Ferns in a World Rugby Intern Coach role in 2020. Hailing from Christchurch, Hansen had coached club and age group teams before joining the coaching teams for the Black Ferns Development side in 2019 and New Zealand Barbarians in 2020. She has been the Assistant Coach of Canterbury’s FPC team and this year’s Matatū Super Rugby Aupiki side.

Congratulations Whitney - we are happy to loan you to NZ Rugby for awhile!