Look, if you think rugby in New Zealand is just about the All Blacks, you’ve been living under a rock. Or maybe you just haven't been paying attention to the most dominant force in the history of the women's game. The New Zealand women's rugby team, better known as the Black Ferns, isn't just a "female version" of a famous brand. They are a powerhouse with six World Cup titles to their name.
Six.
Think about that for a second. While the men’s side is legendary, the Black Ferns have often operated with a level of flair and clinical precision that makes even the staunchest traditionalists double-take. But honestly, it’s not all just highlights and trophies anymore. The landscape changed fast. In late 2025, the world saw a massive shift when the Black Ferns failed to defend their title at the Rugby World Cup in England. They didn't even make the final.
What happened at the 2025 World Cup?
The tournament was supposed to be a coronation. Instead, it was a wake-up call. The Black Ferns breezed through the pool stages, putting on a try-scoring masterclass against Japan and Spain. Braxton Sorensen-McGee, an 18-year-old sensation, was basically a human highlight reel, finishing as the tournament’s top try-scorer with 11 meat pies.
But then came the semi-final. Canada happened.
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For the first time in 11 years, someone beat New Zealand at a World Cup. Canada’s front row was just too physical, too seasoned. The Black Ferns lost 19–34, eventually settling for the bronze medal after beating France in the third-place play-off. England went on to lift the trophy at a packed Twickenham, leaving the New Zealand women's rugby team in a position they aren't used to: the chasing pack.
The Whitney Hansen era begins
Change had to happen. On December 19, 2025, New Zealand Rugby officially announced Whitney Hansen as the new Head Coach. She’s the daughter of Sir Steve Hansen, but don't let the name fool you—she earned this on her own merits. She was an assistant during the 2022 winning campaign and has been the brains behind some of the best domestic rugby in the country.
Hansen is only the second woman to ever lead the team. She’s taking over a squad that is currently ranked 3rd in the world, trailing behind England and Canada. Her mission? Total reinvention. The team has been criticized for lacking a "Plan B" when their expansive, risky style gets shut down by heavy-hitting northern hemisphere packs.
Key players to watch in 2026
You've got the legends like Ruahei Demant and Kennedy Simon (the co-captains who have seen it all) but the real story is the youth.
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- Jorja Miller: She was recently named World Sevens Player of the Year and has transitioned into the 15s game like she was born for it.
- Braxton Sorensen-McGee: The teenager who terrified every defense in England. She’s basically the future of the backline.
- Katelyn Vaha'akolo: If you want to see pure speed, watch her highlights. She’s become a symbol of the team’s cultural connection and on-field "X-factor."
The struggle right now is at halfback. Since Kendra Cocksedge retired in 2022, the team has cycled through about six different players trying to find that tactical "conductor." Whether it’s Iritana Hohaia or Maia Joseph, someone needs to own that jersey in 2026 if they want to reclaim the top spot.
The 2026 schedule is actually massive
If you're a fan, 2026 is going to be busy. New Zealand Rugby recently overhauled the calendar to give the women more high-stakes games. No more easy blowouts; they’re hunting the best.
The highlight is a three-Test home series against France between August and October 2026. These matches will hit Auckland, Hamilton, Whangārei, and Christchurch. It’s part of the WXV Global Series, which is basically World Rugby’s way of ensuring the top teams actually play each other regularly instead of just meeting once every four years.
They also have a date with the Wallaroos in Auckland on August 22 and a trip to South Africa in September.
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Why this matters for the 2029 World Cup
Everything is now a build-up to 2029 in Australia. The gap between the "Big Three" (England, Canada, New Zealand) and the rest of the world is shrinking, but the gap at the very top is also tightening. The Black Ferns are no longer the untouchable queens of the pitch. They are a team in transition, learning how to balance their indigenous roots and "black jersey" culture with the brutal professionalism of the modern game.
It’s an exciting, slightly scary time for New Zealand women's rugby. They are professional now, but so is everyone else.
What you can do next:
Keep an eye on the Super Rugby Aupiki season, which has been moved to a June-August window for 2026. This is where the next generation of Black Ferns is being forged. If you want to see where the team is heading under Whitney Hansen, watching the domestic final in August is the best way to spot the players who will likely face France later in the year.