Leading Auckland women’s and schoolboy coach Brian Evans has been appointed as head coach of the Black Ferns as they begin their preparations to land a fourth consecutive Women's Rugby World Cup, in England in 2010.

The Black Ferns have won all three official Women's Rugby World Cups played to date in Amsterdam, Netherlands (1998), Barcelona, Spain (2002) and Edmonton, Canada (2006).

Former New Zealand Schools coach Grant Hansen has been named as Evans' assistant coach for the Black Ferns' initial three-match tour of England in November.

Evans was formerly coach at the Da La Salle College 1st XV, 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 and 14 of that Auckland team went on to be selected for the 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,” said Evans.

“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 Head Coach of the New Zealand Schools side in 2007 and 2008 and coached the Auckland Grammar School 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.

Black Ferns tour to England match schedule:
Saturday 14 November v England
Tuesday 17 November v England A
Saturday 21 November v England