Results of the review into Black Ferns culture and high performance environment are expected to be made public in the coming days, with incumbent coach Glenn Moore likely to retain his job.
Newshub understands Moore, who guided the NZ women to 2017 World Cup success, has signed with NZ Rugby to lead them through this year's title defence in New Zealand, with a recent high-profile addition helping get him over the line.
Moore's coaching and management of the team environment has come under scrutiny, after a scathing social media post by hooker Te Kura Ngata-Aerengamate at the end of last year's northern tour.
Ngata-Aerengamate claims she was told she didn't deserve to be in the team and was only selected to play guitar. NZ Rugby appointed a four-person panel to review Black Ferns culture, with the outcome of that investigation imminent.
On the field, the Ferns' lack of development over the past five years was exposed, as they fell to record loses against England and France - the two biggest challengers for their crown.
Last week, Newshub revealed former All Blacks coach Wayne Smith had been brought into the Black Ferns set-up as an assistant and mentor to the wider coaching group. Smith's involvement was a major factor in Moore recommitting to the programme.
The pair are close and Moore has tried to get Smith involved in the NZ coaching group for some time.
The outcome of the Black Ferns review may be some days away, but a key cog of their World Cup defence appears already in place.
