Allan Bunting departs Black Ferns following Rugby World Cup review

There will be a new Black Ferns head coach in 2026. Director of Rugby Allan Bunting announced on Friday that he is stepping away from the team following a “thorough” review into the 2025 Rugby World Cup.

New Zealand couldn’t recreate the magic of 2022 in their 2025 title defence campaign, falling to Canada in the semi-final stages before England lifted the new Rugby World Cup trophy a week later.

The Kiwis managed to dismiss France in the bronze final, but that will be the final act of Bunting’s Black Ferns career after three years at the helm.

“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,” NZR General Manager of Professional Rugby and Performance Chris Lendrum said.

“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.

“This role is an opportunity to continue driving the growth and success of women’s rugby in New Zealand and take the Black Ferns programme to another level.”

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Lendrum continued with a message of gratitude for Bunting.

“On behalf of NZR, I’d like to acknowledge Allan for the level of commitment and contribution he has made to the Black Ferns and to women’s rugby,” Lendrum added.

“We entrusted the Black Ferns programme to Allan in 2023 because he is a proven winner with a track record of creating conditions for success in the women’s game, and empowering our wahine toa to represent our nation with pride and authenticity. His Black Ferns have done just that.

“The positive impact he has had on the women’s game is immense. He has been a part of the growth of our women’s pathways and the development of players, while remaining focused on a culture that nurtures and supports people to thrive. The Black Ferns have reached a new level of professionalism in their approach to a high-performance environment. Allan and his team have delivered a strong foundation for the next four-year cycle and the team’s attempt to win a record seventh Women’s Rugby World Cup.

“Allan is a courageous leader who is authentically himself and cares deeply for people, and his ability to connect and create an inclusive environment is without peer. I am sure we will continue to see him involved in the game here in the future.”

Bunting shared an emotional reflection on his time within both the Black Ferns and Black Ferns Sevens.

“It’s been an absolute honour to lead the Black Ferns in this position. I’m incredibly proud of what we set out to achieve together, from building connections, growing the depth of our wahine, and enhancing this group to represent Aotearoa with mana on and off the field,” Bunting said.

“I care deeply about women’s rugby in Aotearoa. 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 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.”