Black Ferns director of performance Allan Bunting is standing down from the role as the search for a new coach begins.
New Zealand Rugby (NZR) has today announced a recruitment process is under way to find Bunting’s replacement and intends to appoint a Black Ferns head coach by Christmas.
The Black Ferns are coming off a third placing at the Women’s Rugby World Cup.
“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,” NZR general manager of professional rugby and performance Chris 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’s last test with the side was the Bronze final victory over France at the Women’s Rugby World Cup, following which he told the Herald he would take time to decide his future.
For Bunting, who took over as the Black Ferns’ director of performance in 2023, the closure of the World Cup brought an end to a busy three years – the cycle shortened after the last World Cup was delayed a year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
That span also included the establishment of the WXV tournaments, providing regular tests against Six Nations sides, and the continued growth of professionalism in the women’s game.
Since Bunting took over as director of performance in 2023, the Black Ferns recorded 17 wins, seven losses and a draw. However, in 12 tests against the other four sides ranked in the top five – England, Canada, France and Ireland – they had just four wins to seven losses and a draw.
The Black Ferns ultimately fell short in their bid to defend the World Cup title as they were beaten by Canada in the semifinal but ended their campaign on a high as they put France to the sword in the bronze medal match.
“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.”
The new coach will have a decent number of tests to make their mark in the role.
Following the confirmation of the new WXV Global Series, the Black Ferns will play 10 tests next year, in a move that sees Super Rugby Aupiki shift to later in the year.
As part of the WXV Global Series, the Black Ferns will play six tests in a home-and-away format against some of the world’s top teams in September and October.
The series replaces the original three-tiered WXV tournaments and instead will see the top 12 teams in the world compete in a home-and-away cross-regional series, while teams ranked from 13-18 will contest a funded tournament at a single host venue.
In total, it sees an increase of three tests to the usual Black Ferns’ calendar, which previously included the three Pacific Four tests, the second O’Reilly Cup test and three WXV 1 fixtures later in the year.