Moore to take Black Ferns through to 2021

Black Ferns Head Coach Glenn Moore will lead the team through to the 2021 Rugby World Cup, New Zealand Rugby announced today.

For the first time the Black Ferns Head Coach role will be full time, and Moore will be charged with leading the on-field programme through to the end of 2021.

New Zealand Rugby’s Head of Women’s Rugby Cate Sexton congratulated Moore.

“Glenn is a real champion for women’s rugby and is very invested in helping grow our talent pool. He brings a wealth of experience having coached at both Provincial Union and Super Rugby levels before he joined the Black Ferns.

“He’s been instrumental in developing the culture of the Black Ferns and steering the team into the semi-professional era. We’re really pleased to have Glenn on board as we navigate this new and exciting time for women’s rugby. He brings stability to our programme during a period of rapid growth and when we have a massive challenge ahead of us in hosting a Rugby World Cup.”

Sexton said aside from coaching the top team, Moore’s role would also include a focus on talent identification. All Provincial Unions now deliver Black Ferns high performance programmes alongside their Mitre 10 Cup programmes ensuring contracted Black Ferns and wider squad members have full access to trainers and facilities, specialist skill development, strength and conditioning, physiotherapy, nutrition advice and player development management.

Moore said the next two years would be especially significant as he builds the team towards the 2021 Rugby World Cup.

“To play in a world cup at home is special. We know as current world champions we have a target on our back and it’s an exciting time to be involved.

“Over the past couple of years there’s been massive growth in the top end of the women’s game. Our talent pool is deeper than it’s ever been so players are working hard to secure a black jersey and have a desire to get better. As a coach that’s exactly what you want.”

Moore said his new full-time role will allow him to spend more time with players outside of the team environment.

“It means I can help players improve their training and skills by providing feedback throughout the year. We’ll be able to prepare in a much more consistent way and take things a step up," he said.