New Zealand Rugby is hopeful a focus on individual growth of the country’s female coaches will lead to more opportunities at the top level, following the selection of an all-male team to lead
NZ Rugby’s plan for female coaches after all-male Black Ferns coaching team
“While some people might think it’s a step sideways, I think that’s going to really set her up for success to be the world-leading coach that she has the ability to be.”
Last week, a strategy launched by NZR indicated a 10-year target to increase the number of women from 9.3 per cent to 20 per cent of people in the coaching pathways.
But in picking an all-male team as the best candidates for the Black Ferns, it is an indication from NZR they don’t have faith in the country’s top female coaches to make the next step at this moment.
A statement from NZR’s head of professional rugby Chris Lendrum in the coaching announcement echoed that thought, as he said NZR was focused on the development of leading female coaches to ensure their future success.
“Individual growth of our coaches continues to be a focus for New Zealand Rugby. We are supporting the opportunity for Whitney to develop as a programme leader, with her recent appointment as the Matatū head of rugby.
“Our ambition is to continue to support the growth and development of our leading female coaches and provide them with the opportunities to gain further experience and be in a position to be competing for roles for our teams in black in the future.”
Christie is no stranger to the women’s rugby environment as he helped guide Matatū to the Super Rugby Aupiki title this year, while Delany joins the Black Ferns on the back of a successful run at the helm of the Bay of Plenty men’s NPC team, and Jackson is a former Manu Samoa and North Harbour head coach.
Black Ferns head coach Bunting said the level of coaches interested in joining the team was hugely exciting for the game.
“We are fortunate to have such an abundance of quality coaches putting their hands up to coach the Black Ferns, which is hugely exciting for our women’s game,” he said.
“The trio of coaches we have had the privilege of appointing are all committed to enhancing the Black Ferns legacy. Each will assist in allowing our players to play a brand of rugby unique to the Black Ferns, through their passion, innovation, and abundance of knowledge.”