Wayne Smith to take on new role as NZR performance coach

Wayne Smith.
Photo: Andrew Cornaga / www.photosport.nz

Former World Cup winning Black Ferns coach Wayne Smith has been appointed as performance coach to the Black Ferns and All Blacks.

New Zealand Rugby describes it as a new role that will include mentoring and supporting the respective head coaches and enhancing the quality of coaching delivery across the two teams.

Smith, who guided the Black Ferns to last year’s World Cup title before stepping down as head coach and has been an All Blacks head and assistant coach in the past, has already started working with Black Ferns current coach Allan Bunting.

He won’t start his role with the All Blacks until after this year’s World Cup when new head coach Scott Robertson takes over from incumbent Ian Foster.

Smith said he was grateful to be able to continue his long association with the legacy of the black jersey and NZR.

“I have a deep connection and love for any team that wears the black jersey and particularly the Black Ferns and the All Blacks. I also have strong relationships with the respective head coaches and many of the players, so it feels like this role across the two teams is a natural fit, and one where I can hopefully add and contribute to both environments.”

Smith, who masterminded the Black Ferns 2022 World Cup win before leaving the head coach role, said he would continue to challenge norms and encourage coaches and players to think outside the box.

“It’s important to consider different perspectives and solutions as coaches. As we head into a new era for the game, I am a great believer in the importance of diversity, of relationships and of people. As a coach I’ve been very fortunate to have been exposed to that through my career”.

New Zealand Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson said Smith would be the performance coach to sit across the Black Ferns and All Blacks, and the new role would continue a legacy of innovation and excellence.

“Smithy’s input and insights on the shape of the game and trends in the game internationally will be of enormous benefit to coaches and players, but more than that his integrity, honesty, passion for the jersey and care for the legacy of the black jersey are invaluable.

“We are very fortunate to have someone of his calibre in our game and involved with our two top national teams the Black Ferns and the All Blacks. I know he is excited and energised by the challenge ahead and I’m confident our players, fans and stakeholders will feel the same way.”

Wayne Smith – All Black #806 – 17 Tests 1980-1985

2023: Black Ferns and All Blacks Performance Coach (commencing November 2023)

2022: Black Ferns Head Coach (Rugby World Cup winners)

2018: Kobelco Steelers Director of Coaching (Back-to-back Top League Japanese championships)

2015-2017: All Blacks Assistant Coach

2012-2014: Chiefs Assistant Coach

2012: Queen’s Birthday and Diamond Jubilee Honours, he was appointed a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to rugby

2004-2011: All Blacks (Assistant Coach)

2001-2004: Northampton Saints Coach (England)

2000-2001: All Blacks Head Coach

1997-1999: Crusaders Head Coach (back-to-back Super Rugby titles 1998-1999)