Former All Blacks coach Wayne Smith was ap-pointed to head a new set-up for the New Zealand women’s team following a damning review into the way the side had been handled.
The review into the team culture found members of the Black Ferns had been subjected to culturally insensitive comments, alleged favouritism and body-shaming from coaches.
It led to the resignation last week of head coach Glenn Moore, less than six months from the Women’s World Cup, which will be hosted by de-fending champions New Zealand.
Smith, known in rugby circles as “the professor” because of his deep knowledge of the game, moves into the role of director of rugby for the women’s side.
The 65-year-old will head a new coaching struc-ture through to the World Cup in October-November, New Zealand Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson said. “There is no questioning Wayne’s calibre as a coach and what he will bring to this team.
We know he is excited to be involved in the Black Ferns and about what they can build this year,” Robinson said. Smith will be assisted by Whitney Hansen, who has had an intern coaching role with the team for the past two years, and Wesley Clarke.—APP
