Smith has already started working with Black Ferns Director of Rugby Allan Bunting but will not start his role with the All Blacks until after the 2023 Rugby World Cup when new Head Coach Scott Robertson takes up the role.

Smith said he was grateful to be able to continue his long association with the legacy of the black jersey and New Zealand Rugby (NZR).

“I have a deep connection and love for any team that wears the black jersey and particularly the Black Ferns and the All Blacks. I also have strong relationships with the respective head coaches and many of the players, so it feels like this role across the two teams is a natural fit, and one where I can hopefully add and contribute to both environments.”

Smith, who masterminded the Black Ferns 2022 Rugby World Cup championship run as Head Coach, said he would continue to challenge norms and encourage coaches and players to think outside the box.

“It’s important to consider different perspectives and solutions as coaches. As we head into a new era for the game, I am a great believer in the importance of diversity, of relationships and of people. As a coach I’ve been very fortunate to have been exposed to that through my career”.

NZR CEO Mark Robinson said Smith would be the Performance Coach to sit across the Black Ferns and All Blacks, and the new role would continue a legacy of innovation and excellence. 

“Smithy’s input and insights on the shape of the game and trends in the game internationally will be of enormous benefit to coaches and players, but more than that his integrity, honesty, passion for the jersey and care for the legacy of the black jersey are invaluable.

“We are very fortunate to have someone of his calibre in our game and involved with our two top national teams the Black Ferns and the All Blacks. I know he is excited and energised by the challenge ahead and I’m confident our players, fans and stakeholders will feel the same way.”

Wayne Smith – All Black #806 – 17 Tests 1980-1985

2023: Black Ferns and All Blacks Performance Coach (commencing November 2023)
2022: Black Ferns Head Coach (Rugby World Cup winners)
2018: Kobelco Steelers Director of Coaching (Back-to-back Top League Japanese championships)
2015-2017: All Blacks Assistant Coach
2012-2014: Chiefs Assistant Coach
2012: Queen’s Birthday and Diamond Jubilee Honours, he was appointed a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to rugby
2004-2011: All Blacks (Assistant Coach)
2001-2004: Northampton Saints Coach (England)
2000-2001: All Blacks Head Coach
1997-1999: Crusaders Head Coach (back-to-back Super Rugby titles 1998-1999)

The main aims of the camp, which wrapped up on Friday, were to get the players to switch into Test mode following their club and franchise commitments, and put the groundwork in place for the season, which will culminate in the Rugby World Cup in France.

The squad had five field training sessions and several off-field sessions since assembling in Durban on Tuesday night. The second training camp, which is also in Durban, will run from Monday 29 to Wednesday 31 May.

“This camp was invaluable in getting the coaches and players on the same page in terms of our structures and systems as we prepare for this important season,” said Nienaber.

“The message from the coaches from day one was that the players had to leave the camp knowing what we expect from them on and off the field in the next few months as we look to select our Rugby World Cup squad in August.

“We have another training camp in Durban in two weeks, which will feature a bigger squad as we welcome the DHL Stormers after the Vodacom United Rugby Championship Grand Final, and perhaps a few more Japanese players who have completed their club commitments.

“That camp will give us another opportunity to get the players into the swing of things before our Pretoria training camp in June.”

Nienaber added that they were delighted with the quality of the training sessions and how receptive the players were in the off-field sessions.

“We believe we have a fantastic base to work from,” he said.

“We also had the opportunity to assess the injured players and we’ll monitor their progress and rehabilitation closely in the next few months. All in all, we are in a good frame of mind as our first Castle Lager Rugby Championship Test against Australia approaches.”

Looking further ahead, Nienaber revealed that the Springboks will have a Rugby World Cup training camp in Bastia, Corsica after their last warm-up fixture against New Zealand at Twickenham on Friday 25 August.

The Boks will be based on the mountainous island in the Mediterranean Sea south of France until Sunday 1 September, when they will travel to their base in Toulon for the RWC opener against Scotland on Saturday 10 September.

“The Corsica camp will be ideal for the players to adapt to the conditions in France while finetuning our preparations for our first World Cup game,” said Nienaber.

“We reaped the rewards of spending time in Japan before the 2019 Rugby World Cup, and hopefully this camp will be equally beneficial in getting the players used to the climate and culture in France.

“I’d like to thank the Executive Council of Corsica and the Corsica Rugby League for welcoming us for this important camp.”

The Boks will begin their preparations for the Castle Lager Rugby Championship at a training camp in Pretoria from Monday 12 to Friday 30 June, with the team slotting into match mode the following week for their opening match against Australia at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday, 8 July.

Nienaber’s charges will then depart for New Zealand for their second Test of the condensed version of the competition against the All Blacks at Mount Smart Stadium in Auckland (15 July), before returning to South Africa for their closing match against Argentina in Johannesburg (29 July).

The Springboks will play three Rugby World Cup warm-up matches: against Argentina in Buenos Aires (Saturday, 5 August), Wales in Cardiff (Saturday, 19 August) and New Zealand in London (Friday, 25 August) respectively.

They will then make their way to France for the international extravaganza where they face Scotland in Marseille (Sunday, 10 September), Romania in Bordeaux (Sunday, 17 September), Ireland in Paris (Saturday, 23 September) and Tonga in Marseille (Sunday, 1 October) during the pool stages.

Gibbes was considered a prime contender to replace outgoing coach Jason Holland when he takes up an All Blacks coaching role next year.

But Gibbes has opted to ‘head home’ to Te Awamutu and end his four years with the Hurricanes.

“My family is the most important thing to me,” he said.

“I’ve been thinking about this for a while now, so as hard as the decision was, it became a simple one. I’m ready for a new direction, and I’m looking forward to being home with my family.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time in Wellington and at the ‘Canes. The Hurricanes is an awesome organization and I feel privileged for the time I’ve had here.”

But before moving on, there is still a job to be done in the final weeks of the 2023 DHL Super Rugby Pacific competition.

“My focus is to get this job done with this competition, and that’s all I’m thinking about.”

Gibbes said he thought the Hurricanes would be an even better side in the future.

“I believe the ‘Canes have some of the strongest players and set-up in the competition, and I know they’ll find some great coaches to continue the work that we’ve done for the last few years.”

Hurricanes chief executive Avan Lee said Gibbes would be missed.

“Gibbo has been fantastic for us over the last four years and added value to our coaching group and organization. He is fiercely determined, loyal, committed and has a genuine passion for coaching.

“We will miss him a lot but completely understand his reasoning for wanting to be closer to his family. We wish him all the very best for the future.”