Whitney Hansen Photo: photosport
Whitney Hansen will take charge of the Black Ferns on a two-year deal after the six-time world champions came up short at this year's global showpiece.
Hansen will succeed Allan Bunting and becomes the second woman to hold the post after Vicky Dombroski in 1994.
Her assistant coaches will be Tony Christie and Riki Flutey, with the wider coaching and management group to be confirmed in the new year.
Hansen will oversee 11 Tests next year followed by the historic series against the touring British and Irish Lions Series in 2027.
Whitney Hansen Photo: PHOTOSPORT
"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 is the daughter of former highly successful All Blacks coach Steve Hansen, who led the national men's side to World Cup glory in 2015 during an eight year tenure. He was assistant to Graham Henry for the eight years prior to that.
Whitney Hansen takes charge after the third-ranked Black Ferns failed to add to their six titles at this year's world championships in England.
Black Ferns dejected at full time of their World Cup semifinal loss to Canada. Photo: www.photosport.nz
Bunting's team lost to Canada in the semi-finals while champions England dominated the tournament.
Hansen was the assistant coach to Wayne Smith during the previous tournament in 2022, when the Black Ferns triumphed on home soil.
New Zealand Rugby chairman David Kirk welcomed the appointment.
"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," Kirk said.
"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."
A teacher by trade who represented Canterbury in her playing days, Hansen's coaching career began in 2017 at Canterbury University.
She coached at provincial age group level and was set piece coach for Canterbury for four seasons in the Farah Palmer Cup.
More recently, she was Matatū assistant coach when they won the 2023 Super Rugby Aupiki title before becoming head coach for the past two seasons.
She was the inaugural head coach of the Black Ferns XV last year.
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