Rugby: Moore to lead Black Ferns to 2017 WC

Glenn Moore was Sir John Kirwan's assistant at the Blues. Photo / Getty

Glenn Moore's confirmation as the Black Ferns head coach means he will lead the team into the Women's Rugby World Cup in 2017.

Moore was instrumental in the Black Ferns' success at the recent Super Series in Canada where the team defeated England, Canada and USA.

New Zealand Rugby head of women's rugby development Cate Sexton says securing a coach of the calibre of Moore was great news for the future of the team.

"Glenn did an absolutely fantastic job with the team in Canada. He quickly created a rapport with the players and the results on the field speak for themselves. His experience, plus his technical and tactical skills, are first-class and the team lifted their game with his help. Many of the team were new to the black jersey and Glenn helped create a positive team culture so everybody felt at ease."

Moore became assistant coach for the Blues in late 2014. He is a specialist forwards coach at the franchise and will continue that role in 2016.

The former Highlanders, North Otago and Mid Canterbury coach says his time with the Black Ferns had been very fulfilling and he was delighted to be helping develop the team towards an important goal.

"Winning the Women's World Cup in 2017 is a major objective and all our processes and programmes from here will be working to achieve that. The team is very much focused on winning the World Cup.

"There's a huge depth of talent in the team and there are some standout players in the Women's Provincial Championship at the moment. Next year there will be sevens players available too, so there's going to be strong competition for spots in the team.

Sexton says women's rugby in New Zealand was in a great place.

"We are thrilled to have Glenn on board and thankful to the Blues management and coaching team for being so supportive of him in taking this role."

Moore's first task will be to establish the coaching team for the women's side.