Super Rugby Aupiki candidates loom large to replace departing Black Ferns coach Allan Bunting

Friday, 14 November 2025

Blues coach Willie Walker celebrates with Krysten Cottrell after winning the Super Rugby Aupiki final against Matatū in April.

Blues have won back-to-back titles under Willie Walker.
Matutū’s Whitney Hansen and Blair Baxter also have strong resumes.
England coach John Mitchell is still under contract until the Six Nations.

New Zealand Rugby might not have to look too far afield to fill what it describes as “one of the most significant leadership roles in New Zealand sport”.

Allan Bunting’s reign as Black Ferns coach came to an end on Friday, when NZ Rugby announced that it was looking for a new head coach and Bunting confirmed he wouldn’t be applying.

NZ Rugby intends to appoint a new head coach by Christmas, and they won’t be short of contenders.

Blues coach Willie Walker has won back-to-back Super Rugby Aupiki titles and took charge of the Black Ferns XV side this year, indicating that he is already well thought of by NZ Rugby.

Matatū head coach Whitney Hansen and Blair Baxter, who won the title with Matatū in 2023 and returned this year as an assistant, also look like strong contenders.

Baxter had previously enjoyed success with Canterbury in the Farah Palmer Cup and would bring a significant amount of experience to a demanding role.

England coach John Mitchell will be another name thrown into the mix, but the former All Blacks coach is contracted with England until the women’s Six Nations next year, which starts at the same time as the Black Ferns’ Pacific Four Series.

Matatū coach Whitney Hansen before this year’s final against the Blues at Eden Park.

England have emerged as the dominant force in the women’s game and the Black Ferns’ semifinal loss to Canada at the Rugby World Cup exposed shortcomings that have been present for the past two years.

Bunting ultimately paid the price for the Black Ferns’ third-place finish at the Rugby World Cup, a result that fell short of expectations.

“Following a thorough review process post the Women’s Rugby World Cup, we are now inviting applications for one of the most significant leadership roles in New Zealand sport,” NZ Rugby general manager of professional rugby and performance Chris Lendrum said in a statement.

“We are heading into an incredibly exciting four-year cycle of the professional women’s game, with a new competition calendar and the first Women’s British and Irish Lions tour in 2027.

“A robust process to ensure we find the best candidate to take the Black Ferns forward is imperative.”

Bunting had taken on the almost-impossible job of succeeding Wayne Smith after the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand, and said he was likely to continue coaching in another role.

“I care deeply about women’s rugby in Aotearoa,” Bunting said in statement. “Over the past 14 years, I’ve been honoured to contribute across both the Sevens and Fifteens programmes, experience pinnacle events such as the Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, World Series and World Cups.

“To have played a role in the growth of the women’s game during this time has been a privilege.

“What I value most are the connections I’ve made and the people who I’ve met throughout my journey.

“I’m energised for the next chapter and look forward to new opportunities to lead, grow and contribute within high performance sport.”