Moore credits ‘hard work’ for success

Moore (58) said it should lead to a more regular competition for women’s rugby in this country.

‘‘I don’t know what it will look like but there should be something there for our players.’’

He warned New Zealand Rugby could not sit on its hands because NRL sides would be sniffing around the top Black Ferns to go and play league in Australia next year.

Moore is based in Brisbane these days, working as general manager for a food company.

So as a coach, are quality players — men and women — the same?

‘‘They’re sort of similar but a lot of things are different. They [women] tend to ask more questions. But we treat our team [Black Ferns] like a Super Rugby team. And the girls love it.’’

Moore, who introduced Ben Smith, Israel Dagg and Adam Thomson to Super Rugby, said having good players helped a coach, but it was more than that to help build a successful team.

‘‘I think it is a combination of all that. You have to get the talent and get the selections right. Making sure you have the talent is an important part of it.

‘‘But having the culture right is important, too. The right values and ethics, working hard for each other.’’

Moore said he never thought his coaching career would turn out like this.

But the rejection at the Highlanders never put him off.

‘‘It never changed me. I still wanted to be coaching. I never lost my belief. It was special times down there. Hard times but it made me a better coach.’’