Black Ferns begin hunt to replace ‘the Professor’

Black Ferns coach Wayne Smith and Kendra Reynolds
Photo: Andrew Cornaga / www.photosport.nz

The hunt is officially under way for a replacement for Black Ferns coaching guru Wayne Smith.

New Zealand Rugby has confirmed applications are now open for the role of Black Ferns director of rugby which Smith took up earlier this year.

Smith as he had indicated when taking up the role was only taking on the role up until the World Cup which the Black Ferns won.

“This is one of the most important coaching roles in New Zealand, to be appointed at the most exciting time we have known in the women’s professional game,” NZR general manager Chris Lendrum said in a statement.

However the application window is only open a short time, with the close off date to apply December 2nd, which can suggest in employment situations an organisation already has a preferred candidate.

“It is vital that we follow a robust and thorough process to find the best candidate to lead the team on and off the field, taking us forward again following the incredible performance of the team this year,” said Lendrum.

Black Ferns coach Wayne Smith with the Rugby World Cup trophy.
Photo: Andrew Cornaga / www.photosport.nz

He also paid tribute to Smith and what he had achieved in such a short space of time, turning the team around after a disastrous end of year northern hemisphere tour in 2021.

“I’d like to acknowledge Wayne Smith for the incredible level of dedication, expertise and passion he has given to the Black Ferns,” said Lendrum.

“Wayne’s contribution to the team and positive influence on the players has been immense and in some ways he is irreplaceable.”

-RNZ