Exciting new roles established for Women’s Rugby

Canterbury Rugby and Matatū’s commitment to the development in women’s rugby in the region has taken a significant step forward, with the establishment of two fulltime paid coaching positions. 

The Farah Palmer Cup and Super Rugby Aupiki Champions have combined to create the roles, focused on developing the Performance Pathways and delivery of athlete development.
 
Whitney Hansen, who has a glowing CV, having won FPC, Super Rugby Aupiki and the Rugby World Cup in the past 12 months has accepted the role of Head of Rugby, and will work across the Canterbury Academy and Black Ferns Hub as well as leading the Talent identification program.
 
“Off the back of a successful Super Aupiki campaign, we are delighted to have Whitney to grow female rugby capability in our region” said Matatu General Manager Sarah Munro. “Having the right people is a huge part of our culture so to be able to start this off in that way is going to help us set things up for sustained success.”
 
“Whitney is an intelligent, caring person with so much to offer. We’re really lucky she shares the same vision as we do to create a world class women’s performance pathway.”
 
The second role is a Woman’s HP Skills and Campaign coach, being advertised today. This role will encompass coaching in the FPC, Academy & Black Ferns hub programs.  
 
“This is a major step for women’s rugby said Canterbury Rugby CEO Tony Smail and one we’re delighted to be a part of. To be the first provincial union to offer fulltime coaching roles reinforces our leadership, support and commitment to the female game.”
 
“This will help with the player depth here in Canterbury and ultimately add to the pool that Matatū  and the Black Ferns have to select from.”
 
The coaching roles increase the progression in our women’s game when in January Canterbury Rugby Union employed the first dedicated women’s personal development manager in rugby, aimed solely at the wellbeing and development of our players outside of rugby.
 
A job description for the advertised role can be found here.