NZR begins search for a Black Ferns Head Coach as Allan Bunting concludes tenure as leader

New Zealand Rugby (NZR) has today announced the commencement of a recruitment process for the Black Ferns Head Coach role, marking the next chapter in the evolution of the women’s game.

NZR’s decision to initiate this process follows an extensive review of the Black Ferns programe post the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025. A similar approach was followed after the 2021 Women’s Rugby World Cup (played in 2022).

NZR General Manager of Professional Rugby and Performance Chris Lendrum said while the Black Ferns programme has made major strides on and off the field in a number of areas, the team ultimately fell short of their goal of winning the Women’s Rugby World Cup.

“Following a thorough review process post the Women’s Rugby World Cup, we are now inviting applications for one of the most significant leadership roles in New Zealand sport,” Lendrum said.

“We are heading into an incredibly exciting four-year cycle of the professional women’s game, with a new competition calendar and the first Women’s British and Irish Lions tour in 2027. A robust process to ensure we find the best candidate to take the Black Ferns forward is imperative.

“This role is an opportunity to continue driving the growth and success of women’s rugby in New Zealand and take the Black Ferns programme to another level.”

Current Black Ferns Director of Performance Allan Bunting has confirmed he will conclude his tenure at the end of his current contract and will not seek the Black Ferns Head Coach role.

Lendrum paid tribute to Bunting’s impact:

“On behalf of NZR, I’d like to acknowledge Allan for the level of commitment and contribution he has made to the Black Ferns and to women’s rugby,” Lendrum said.

“We entrusted the Black Ferns programme to Allan in 2023 because he is a proven winner with a track record of creating conditions for success in the women’s game, and empowering our wāhine toa to represent our nation with pride and authenticity. His Black Ferns have done just that.

“The positive impact he has had on the women’s game is immense. He has been a part of the growth of our women’s pathways and the development of players, while remaining focused on a culture which nurtures and supports people to thrive. The Black Ferns have reached a new level of professionalism in their approach to a high-performance environment. Allan and his team have delivered a strong foundation for the next four-year cycle and the team’s attempt to win a record seventh Women’s Rugby World Cup.

“Allan is a courageous leader who is authentically himself and cares deeply for people, and his ability to connect and create an inclusive environment is without peer. I am sure we will continue to see him involved in the game here in the future.”

Bunting reflected on his time with pride:

“It’s been an absolute honour to lead the Black Ferns in this position. I’m incredibly proud of what we set out to achieve together, from building connections, growing the depth of our wāhine, and enhancing this group to represent Aotearoa with mana on and off the field,” Bunting said.

“I care deeply about women’s rugby in Aotearoa. Over the past 14 years, I’ve been honoured to contribute across both the Sevens and Fifteens programmes, experience pinnacle events such as the Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, World Series and World Cups. To have played a role in the growth of the women’s game during this time has been a privilege.

“What I value most are the connections I’ve made and the people who I’ve met throughout my journey. I’m energised for the next chapter and look forward to new opportunities to lead, grow and contribute within high performance sport.”

NZR are now taking applications via the NZR website with the intention to appoint a Black Ferns Head Coach by Christmas 2025.