Glenn Moore has been appointed head coach of the New Zealand women's rugby team, the Black Ferns, and will lead the team into their World Cup in 2017.
Moore, who's also a Blues assistant coach, was in charge of the Black Ferns at the recent Super Series in Canada, where the team defeated England, Canada and USA.
Glenn Moore Photo: Photosport
He took over after former head coach Greg Smith voluntarily stood down from the role following a 14-week ban for abusing a referee in a Waikato club game.
Moore became assistant coach for the Blues in 2014, where he is a specialist forwards coach, and he will continue in that role as well as taking the national women's team.
He was a former Highlanders coach from 2007-2010 until he was replaced by Jamie Joseph. Moore then took charge of Mid Canterbury in the Heartland Championship, before joining the Blues last year.
Glenn Moore (2nd from L) is the Blues forwards coach, seen here with Daniel Bowden, Sir John Kirwan and Ihaia West Photo: Photosport
New Zealand Rugby Head of Women's Rugby Development Cate Sexton said securing a coach of the calibre of Moore was great news for the future of the team.
"Glenn did an absolutely fantastic job with the team in Canada," Sexton said. "He quickly created a rapport with the players and the results on the field speak for themselves. His experience, plus his technical and tactical skills are first class and the team lifted their game with his help.
"Many of the team were new to the black jersey and Glenn helped create a positive team culture so everybody felt at ease."
Moore said his time with the Black Ferns had been very fulfilling and he was delighted to be helping develop the team towards an important goal.
"Winning the Women's World Cup in 2017 is a major objective and all our processes and programmes from here will be working to achieve that. The team is very much focused on winning the World Cup.
"There's a huge depth of talent in the team and there are some standout players in the Women's Provincial Championship at the moment. Next year there will be sevens players available too, so there's going to be strong competition for spots in the team."
Moore's first task will be to establish the coaching team for the women's side.
