NZ Rugby has retained the services of World Cup-winning coach Wayne Smith as a performance advisor to the All Blacks and Black Ferns.
Last year, the 'Rugby Professor' added another chapter to his impressive body of work, taking over a troubled NZ women's programme and guiding it to a successful defence of its world crown on home soil - a campaign that sparked public support for women's rugby.
He was rewarded individually as World Rugby and NZ Rugby Coach of the Year.
The former All Blacks first-five had previously helped the All Blacks to consecutive World Cup victories, and is widely credited as an influential behind-the-scenes figure by players and coaches alike.
Now that his Black Ferns commitments are over, NZ Rugby has moved quickly to keep him involved in both the women's and men's teams, as performance coach, mentoring head coaches and enhancing the qualify of coaching delivery.
"I have a deep connection and love for any team that wears the black jersey, and particularly the Black Ferns and the All Blacks," he said.
"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, 66, coached All Blacks coach-in-waiting Scott Robertson at the Crusaders and All Blacks, and assisted alongside All Blacks incumbent Ian Foster from 2015-17.
He has already begun his duties with new Black Ferns director of rugby Allan Bunting, who was on Smith's staff as cultural advisor during last year's World Cup campaign.
"It's important to consider different perspectives and solutions as coaches," said Smith. "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."
NZ Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson, who also played in the national team under Smith, concedes the appointment is a no-brainer.
"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," he said.
"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."
