Sir Wayne Smith On All Blacks Career & Culture, Black Ferns & The Future Of Rugby

Sir Wayne Smith is one of the most respected and accomplished figures in New Zealand Rugby history – an absolute legend of the game. 

He was a 17-cap All Black who went on to win three World Cups - two as All Blacks assistant coach, and one with the Black Ferns. 

He’s also been the All Blacks coach, won four Super Rugby titles as a coach, two with the Crusaders and two with the Chiefs, and currently works as the Performance coach to both the All Blacks and Black Ferns. 

In this episode we talk about the differences between coaching men and women, what rule changes he’d like to see in the game, why he was sacked as All Blacks coach and the hardest moments of his career in 2007, his fair tale ride with the Black Ferns, where his resilience comes from and much, much more. 

There’s a reason Wayne is considered one of World Rugby’s greatest thinkers, and this was a fascinating insight into how his brain works. It was a real honour getting to share so much of his time, and it’s easy to see why his players are all so connected to him as a person and a coach.  

This episode was brought to you from the Export Beer Garden Studio! Enjoy.