Sean Horan's new role

Unwanted by Bay of Plenty this season, Tauranga's Sean Horan has been appointed to the newly-created role of head coach of the New Zealand women's sevens team.

Horan has coached the Bay of Plenty Steamers in the ITM Cup for the past three seasons and before that held an assistant coach role with the Chiefs' development team.

New Zealand Rugby Union general manager professional rugby, Neil Sorensen, said Horan had the right mix of skills to develop the women's sevens game in New Zealand.

"Sean had a great season with the Steamers last year, seeing them finish a credible fourth in a very tight ITM Cup premiership, and has proven he is a quality coach.