Whitney Hansen will add another impressive notch to her coaching CV after being named head coach of the Matatū Super Rugby Aupiki side for the 2024 season.
Hansen will step into the top job after being an assistant coach to Blair Baxter at the southern franchise this season where they stunned Chiefs Manawa 33-31 in Hamilton in the final to win the title.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to continue Matatū’s journey, to build on the foundation we have, and support our people to be the best they can be,” Hansen said.
“BB [Blair Baxter] leaves behind an incredible legacy and has taken the team to such a good place. I genuinely wouldn’t be doing what I am without his support."
Hansen's promotion comes after picking up valuable international experience in the past 12 months, first serving as an assistant coach to Sir Wayne Smith as part of the World Cup-winning campaign with the Black Ferns before she coached the Black Ferns XV more recently in August.
Hansen said she wants to continue building on Matatū's legacy after the club, which represents the entire South Island in the competition, reached new heights in just their second season.
“We’re underpinned by our commitment to high work ethic, strong connections, and a dedication to adding positively to a growing legacy,” Hansen said.
“There will always be things year on year we look at doing differently, but in large part we will continue to look deeply at how we can keep getting better as a group and as individuals.”
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