Matatū’s Whitney Hansen named as Black Ferns XV Head Coach

Our very own Whitney Hansen, Matatū Head of Rugby, has been announced as the inaugural Head Coach of the Black Ferns XV.  

Hansen was confirmed in the role on Friday 18 August, with the squad set to be named in mid-September.  

“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity and excited to work alongside an exceptional management group and what will be an impressive playing group," Hansen said. 

Hansen will lead the Black Ferns XV, with Blues Assistant Coach, former Black Fern Linda Itunu and former Wallaroos Assistant Coach Peter Breen. 

She was confirmed as Matatū Head of Rugby in April this year, in a joint initiative by Matatū and Canterbury Rugby to build high performance pathways for female players across the south. 

Her ability as a leader in women’s rugby is clear, having guided teams to titles in the Farah Palmer Cup, Super Rugby Aupiki, and the Rugby World Cup. 

Hansen with sister Jessie (right) after Matatū’s inaugural Super Rugby Aupiki title in 2023

The Black Ferns XV will play Samoa in an international fixture on Saturday 23 September at Navigation Homes Stadium in Pukekohe. It will be broadcast live in Sky Sport at 4.35pm. 

The team was formed by New Zealand Rugby (NZR) to continue the professional growth of players, coaches and management in the women’s game – similar in many ways to Super Rugby Aupiki and the environment at Matatū, who took out the 2023 Aupiki title in the competition’s second year. 

“We have a talented pool of athletes in New Zealand, and this offers the next generation of aspiring athletes the opportunity to take their first or next step, which is hugely exciting. While the development of our aspiring players is an important focus, this team will also provide the chance for former Black Ferns who are returning to the game a chance to push for a recall and showcase their talent,” Hansen said. 

Hannah Porter, NZR Women’s High Performance Manager, said Hansen would be an asset to the side and was supported by a talented coaching group. 

“We are excited to be able to have Whitney lead the Black Ferns XV. She holds a great amount of experience and has a fantastic rapport with the players,” Porter said. 

Sarah Munro, Matatū General Manager, previously said Hansen “clearly demonstrates care and technical expertise”. 

“She is an exceptional leader and this is only the beginning for Whitney's coaching career. She has a bright future ahead to positively impact the women's high-performance game across New Zealand” Munro said.