Black Ferns seek new coach as Bunting steps down

Allan Bunting has stepped down from his role as New Zealand director of rugby following the Black Ferns’ semi-final exit at the recent Women’s Rugby World Cup.

New Zealand Rugby has announced it will recruit a new head coach following an “extensive review of the Black Ferns programme” after the tournament in England – and that Bunting will not be seeking the position.

New Zealand, who had won six of the previous seven Women’s Rugby World Cups, were knocked out in the semi-finals of the 2025 edition by Canada but then beat France to finish third.

Hosts England defeated Canada in the final to win the competition.

Bunting, who was appointed director of rugby of the Black Ferns in 2023, said it had been an “absolute honour” to lead the team.

He added: “Over the past 14 years, I’ve been honoured to contribute across both the Sevens and Fifteens programmes and experience pinnacle events such as the Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, World Series and World Cups.

Chris Lendrum, general manager of professional rugby and performance for New Zealand Rugby, said the “positive impact” Bunting has had on the women’s game is “immense”, while Bunting and his team had “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”.

In its statement, New Zealand Rugby said it hoped to have a head coach in place by Christmas.

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.