Rennie names his All Black assistants

NEWS: All Blacks Head Coach Dave Rennie has confirmed his assistant coaching group and head of performance to take the team through to the 2027 World Cup.

Rennie said he has recruited a group who each have vast proven experience and are world-class in their specialist fields.

“This is a very experienced and highly skilled coaching team. Each of these men has a track record of getting the best out of the players and teams they coach, and they are each hugely motivated to get stuck in and deliver the same success with the All Blacks.”

Current Taranaki Head Coach, Neil Barnes, will take on the Senior Assistant Coach role and also bring his line-out expertise, while Jason Ryan retains his role as Forwards Coach, with a particular focus on scrum and maul.

All Black and current Moana Pasifika mentor Tana Umaga will take on the defence portfolio at the conclusion of the current Super Rugby season.

The attack will be led by former Scotland scrumhalf Mike Blair, who is currently attack coach under Dave Rennie at the Kobe Steelers.

Blair will complete the current Japan Rugby League One season before moving to New Zealand, subject to the granting of a work visa by the New Zealand Government.

“Neil provides outstanding leadership and strategic support; Jase has proven himself as one of the best forwards coaches in the game; Tana brings immense mana and defensive insight; and Mike will bring his innovative approach and attention to detail to our attack.

“I know this group will challenge and support both me and our players to bring the best out of us all,” Rennie said.

“This has been a thorough appointment process that included conversations with each of the former All Blacks assistant coaches.

“I want to acknowledge those men who have all contributed so positively and professionally to this process and to the legacy of the All Blacks.

“They are each excellent coaches in their own right, who I know will go on to achieve further success in their careers.”

New Zealand Rugby Interim CEO, Steve Lancaster, also paid tribute to the outgoing coaches.

“We acknowledge that this has been an uncertain period for people and that there are some difficult farewells as part of the process.

“I want to pay tribute to the service that Scott Hansen, Tamati Ellison and Bryn Evans have given to the black jersey.

“They have each made important contributions to the team, and I know they have all got a lot more to give as world-class coaches.

“The way they have conducted themselves throughout is a testament to the outstanding professionals and good people they all are.

“I also congratulate our new group of coaches, who bring a formidable combination of experience and mana [power].

“We are confident they will complement Dave’s leadership, and we cannot wait to see them go to work with the 2026 All Blacks group.”

Māori All Blacks Head Coach appointed

Tamati Ellison has been appointed Māori All Blacks Head Coach for the Challenge Cup in June this year, where they will face a Japan XV at Paloma Mizuho Stadium in Nagoya.

“As a former New Zealand Māori Co-Captain, Tamati is well-versed in the pride and legacy of this team and is the perfect person for the role. We are pleased to be retaining such a quality coach within our Teams in Black,” Lancaster said.

Ellison said he was excited about the opportunity to take on a head coaching role for a team he loves.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to lead my people. This team means everything to our whānau, and I’ll give it my all. I’d also like to congratulate the new All Blacks coaching group and look forward to working with and supporting them in my new role.”