Black Ferns talent pathway grows under coach Whitney Hansen

OPINION: New coach has capitalised on high-performance programme.

By Alice Soper · NZ Herald

Published: Wednesday, 4 November 2026 at 11:01 PM

Key Things to Know

Alice Soper argues Whitney Hansen has successfully transformed the Black Ferns during her first year as head coach.
Hansen expanded development pathways by integrating camps for the Black Ferns XV and inaugural New Zealand Under-21 sides.
Super Rugby Aupiki players shifted to full-time contracts, helping support an expanded 12-game international test schedule.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Alice Soper argues that head coach Whitney Hansen has successfully transformed the Black Ferns during her first year in charge. Hansen's expansion of development pathways, including integrated camps with the Black Ferns XV and Under-21 squads, has placed New Zealand women's rugby on firmer footing following a disappointing prior World Cup campaign.

Soper highlights that Super Rugby Aupiki transitioning to full-time status and an expanded 12-match international schedule fostered rising talent such as Elinor-Plum King and Shyrah Tuliau-Tu'ua. These developments helped lift New Zealand back to second in the World Rugby rankings.

Read the full article on NZ Herald

Black Ferns talent pathway grows under coach Whitney Hansen

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