Former All Blacks coach Wayne Smith will guide the Black Ferns through the defence of their Rugby World Cup crown in New Zealand later this year.
Known as 'The Professor', Smith, 65, is widely regarded as one of the game's most astute brains and steps into a rugby director role, after a damning review of the NZ women's team culture and resignation of former head coach Glenn Moore over the weekend.
Smith had already accepted the position of technical coach to help Moore close the gap between the Ferns and their closest international rivals, after England and France inflicted record defeats on the five-time world champions last year.
With Moore's departure, he now faces the task of leading the programme's resurrection, with current assistant Wesley Clarke and former intern Whitney Hansen - daughter of Sir Steve Hansen - and coaching support from Sir Graham Henry and other specialist coaches, like scrum guru Mike Cron.
"There is no questioning Wayne's calibre as a coach and what he will bring to this team," said NZ Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson. "We know he is excited to be involved in the Black Ferns and about what they can build this year.
"Wes has been a long-standing member of the Black Ferns coaching team, his insight and experience is invaluable. Whitney is a coach with a big future - she has impressed in her two years within the team, so this is great recognition of her ability and potential.
"We know the entire management team and playing group are committed to what will be a massive six months, and NZR is dedicated to the success of the programme this year and in the future."
Smith's pedigree is impeccable, accumulating 35 appearances as All Blacks first-five, before pursuing a successful coaching career. He guided the Crusaders to two Super Rugby titles, before a short stint as national coach.
Although replaced by John Mitchell as coach, Smith later returned to the All Blacks staff as an assistant under Henry and Hansen, helping them to consecutive World Cup triumphs in 2011 and 2015.
The Black Ferns' off-field troubles reached a climax last week, when an independent review revealed accusations of favouritism, 'ghosting' and body-shaming, charges Moore vehemently denies.
