All Blacks narrow down options for Razor's replacement
NEWS: New Zealand Rugby on Monday confirmed the process to appoint an All Blacks’ head coach, including confirmation of a five-person appointment panel.
The panel will include board Chair David Kirk, board member Keven Mealamu, experienced high-performance expert Don Tricker, Interim CEO Steve Lancaster and a recently retired All Blacks player.
NZR will invite New Zealand coaches with international head coaching experience to apply.
The appointment panel will then shortlist and interview candidates.
The final decision on the All Blacks’ Head Coach will be made by the NZR Board.
NZR Interim CEO Steve Lancaster said: “The All Blacks head coach is an incredibly important appointment.
“We’ve started the process and are giving it the care and urgency it deserves to set the team up for success. We’ll provide further updates as soon as we can.”
Meanwhile, current Wallaby coach Joe Schmidt has ruled himself out of contention for the vacant All Blacks position, according to a report from The Sydney Morning Herald.
Schmidt is currently under contract with Rugby Australia until mid 2026, before current Reds coach Les Kiss will take the reins in August.
The former Ireland head coach and All Black assistant coach will return to New Zealand at the conclusion of his tenure with the Wallabies.
Coaches of New Zealand descent who are eligible according to the criteria set out are Wayne Smith, Dave Rennie, Warren Gatland and Jamie Joseph.
Former World Cup-winning coach Steve Hansen, who currently coaches Verblitz in Japan, could also be a potential candidate.
With additional reporting by @Rugbypass
