Justin Morgan appointed Kiwi Ferns coach

Former Canberra, Parramatta and Warriors forward Justin Morgan has been announced as New Zealand Kiwi Ferns coach ahead of the 2021 Women's Rugby League World Cup.

The 43-year-old replaces Kelvin Wright after having assisted the side in last year's Trans-Tasman Test against the Australian Jillaroos in Auckland.

Morgan brings plenty of coaching experience with him into the role.

He coached Hull KR in the English Super League for seven seasons from 2005 and has been an assistant at NRL level with the Raiders, Storm and Warriors.

"Justin is the ideal coach to lead us forward and develop not only our female players but the coaching and support staff that will be involved in the Kiwi Ferns," NZRL general manager of high performance Motu Tony said.

"His vast experience as both a coach and player at professional and international level will bring valuable high-performance knowledge which will benefit the Kiwi Ferns and our women's game in general.

"I look forward to working with Justin to prepare the Kiwi Ferns for the RLWC in 2021, grow the women's game in New Zealand and prepare the next generation of players and staff capable of representing the Kiwi Ferns in the years to come."

The Kiwi Ferns were once the most dominant nation in women's rugby league history but have lost the past two World Cup finals to the Jillaroos (2013, 2017) and have not beaten their Trans-Tasman rivals since 2016.

New Zealand will play an end-of-season Tests against the Jillaroos and Pacific Islands following the NRLW competition in October.

"The 2021 World Cup is an opportunity to add to our three World Cup wins (2000, 2005 and 2008) and regain our status as the best international women's team in the world," Tony said.