Kneebone, who will focus on the Black Ferns set piece, completes a previously announced coaching make-up of Head Coach Whitney Hansen, returning Assistant Coaches Tony Christie (attack) and Riki Flutey (defence).
In addition to the coaching group, Jenelle Strickland will continue her role as Black Ferns Team Manager. Backed by a wealth of experience and most recently, the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 in England, she also previously managed the Black Ferns Sevens and Tasman Mako in NPC.
Kneebone’s appointment to Black Ferns Assistant Coach is a major coaching milestone, progressing his coaching career through the women’s rugby pathway.
Kneebone started as Forwards Coach for Canterbury in the Farah Palmer Cup, helping them win back-to-back titles in 2018 and 2019 before returning to the group in 2024. The following year he was appointed Assistant Coach for Matatū in Super Rugby Aupiki and Assistant Coach for Black Ferns XV, travelling with the team for their inaugural tour to South Africa. He was also a NZR High Performance resource in U20s.
Kneebone said it was an honour and a privilege to join the Black Ferns coaching group.
“Coaching in the women’s space is incredibly rewarding, I love how motivated the players are for growth both on and off the field, and supporting them as they chase greatness. The Black Ferns are a special team with a proud history and I’m excited to contribute to the success of our players as they reach their highest potential,” Kneebone said.
Whitney Hansen highlighted Kneebone’s expertise around set piece.
“I’ve had the privilege of witnessing Simon’s coaching journey throughout the ranks and his knowledge around set piece is outstanding. His understanding of the style we want to play combined with his passion for skill development will be invaluable to this group in bringing out the best of our players, experienced and new.
“His ability to build trust will be critical to enhancing our environment alongside our other coaches and management. I believe we’ve got the best people in place,” Hansen said.
Black Ferns Coaching Group 2026
Whitney Hansen (Black Ferns Head Coach)
Tony Christie (Black Ferns Assistant Coach – Attack)
Riki Flutey (Black Ferns Assistant Coach – Defence)
Simon Kneebone (Black Ferns Assistant Coach – Set piece)
Simon Kneebone coaching bio:
Simon Kneebone has extensive coaching experience predominantly based in Canterbury and progressed through the women’s rugby pathway. Earlier in his career, he coached in the Crusaders Academy and helped the Canterbury U19 and NZ Māori U18s to titles. He then coached Canterbury in the Farah Palmer Cup helping them win back-to-back titles in 2018 and 2019. He then joined Matatū in Super Rugby Aupiki and advanced to Black Ferns XV Assistant Coach. Prior to his women’s rugby involvement, he spent time overseas with the Seattle Seawolves as Assistant Coach helping them to a 2018 title, and was Head Coach and Head of Rugby at Eastern Suburbs RFC in Sydney’s Shute Shield Competition.
