Black Ferns XV 2025 coach and management group confirmed

Willie Walker has been announced as Head Coach of the Black Ferns XV ahead of a 2025 campaign which includes a showdown with the Black Ferns in Whangarei and two matches in South Africa.

Walker, who has coached the Blues Women since 2021 and led them to back-to-back titles in 2024-2025, will be joined by his Sky Super Rugby Aupiki Assistant Coaches Charmaine McMenamin and Carlos Spencer with Matatū forwards coach Simon Kneebone rounding out the group.

A Māori All Black and Highlanders fullback from 2002-2003, Walker will lead the group with Spencer, a 35-Test All Blacks first-five taking the backs and 31-Test Black Ferns loose forward McMenamin and Kneebone in charge of the forwards.

Walker said it was an exciting time to take the reins of the Black Ferns XV.

“The depth and talent that’s building in women’s rugby in Aotearoa is significant, and the opportunity to take a New Zealand Rugby women’s representative team to South Africa for the first time will be a special experience and a huge challenge for the group.”

The Black Ferns XV will assemble in Auckland on 29 June ahead of a match against the Black Ferns on Saturday, 5 July in Whangārei.

A 28-player squad will travel to South Africa on 20 July to play two historic matches against the Springbok Women’s team. 

The Black Ferns XV Coaching and Management team are:

Head Coach

Willie Walker, Head Coach, Blues, Team Attack/Kick Strategy

Assistant Coaches

Charmaine McMenamin, Blues

Carlos Spencer, Blues

Simon Kneebone, Matatū

Management

Brad Sherwood, Analyst, Blues

Amy Courtney, Manager, Blues

Nic Groube, Strength & Conditioning Coach, Matatū

Sian Northey, Physiotherapist, Manawa

Tayla Darrah, Doctor