Black Ferns coaches confirmed
The New Zealand Rugby Union has appointed Brian Evans as the Black Ferns' new coach.
The national body confirmed the appointment on Tuesday afternoon, after earlier confirming incumbent Dale Aitkins had been over-looked for reappointment.
Grant Hansen has been named as assistant coach.
Evans was the coach of the Da La Salle College 1st XV who were the winners of the New Zealand Secondary Schools competition in 2008.
A former coach of the Auckland Women's NPC team, he coached them to an unbeaten championship victory in 2007.
Fourteen of the players from that Auckland team then went on to be selected as Black Ferns that year.
"It is both an honour and a privilege to have this opportunity to work with the Black Ferns and this is an exciting and challenging time for me," Evans said.
"Women's rugby in New Zealand is at a very high standard and the professionalism and commitment shown by the players I have worked with in the past is outstanding.
"I am really looking forward to working with the team this year."
Hansen was the head coach of the New Zealand Schools team in 2007 and 2008, and coached Auckland Grammar School's 1st XV from 1998 to 2005.
He is currently Auckland Grammar's Director of Sport and the co-coach of the Ponsonby Rugby Club's premier team.
Both Evans and Hansen have successfully completed the NZRU/Massey University Rugby Coaching Practicum.
The Black Ferns will embark on a three-match tour of England in November as part of their build-up to their defence of the IRB Women's Rugby World Cup in 2010.
Black Ferns tour to England match schedule:
November 15: v England
November 18: v England A
November 22: v England
