Source: Radio New Zealand
New All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie says he’s proud to be appointed to a role that he’s dreamed of and one that so few people get to do.
Rennie was unveiled as the 28th All Blacks head coach just before midday, seeing off Jamie Joseph in the two-man race to replace Scott Robertson.
The 62-year-old will coach through to the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
NZR chairman David Kirk and Rennie held a joint media conference at New Zealand Rugby’s Auckland office on Wednesday afternoon in front of a horde of journalists.
Kirk confirmed it went down to the wire between Rennie and Joseph and he told the latter this morning he had missed out.
Rennie said Joseph called him straight afterwards to congratulate him: “I really appreciate his message … that just shows class of the man.”
Rennie got online with his wife and three sons to share the news.
Dave Rennie and NZ Rugby chair David Kirk after Rennie was announced as new All Blacks head coach. RNZ/Calvin Samuel
“The wife was yawning because I woke her up … the boys were really proud … it was pretty special.”
He said his plan was always to return to Palmerston North later this year to spend time more time with family.
“They [his sons] said don’t turn down an opportunity to apply just for us because you’re going to be back in New Zealand anyway. So, I’ll see a lot more of them … their support is massive.”
The former Chiefs and Wallabies head coach will take up the role in June, when the Japanese Rugby League One season ends, where he coaches Kobelco Kobe Steelers.
Rennie said becoming All Blacks coach was his dream job.
“It’s not an easy job to get hold of, there are so many good coaches in New Zealand.”
He said he had no hesitation on taking on the role and all the scrutiny that goes with it.
“Im ready for it, I’ve coached across the world, I’ve worked with some fantastic people and I’ve learnt a lot.
“I’m excited to come back home and do the jersey justice.”
NZ Rugby chair David Kirk said it was down to the wire between Rennie and Jamie Joseph. RNZ/Calvin Samuel
He will take charge ahead of the July home series against France, Italy and Ireland. Rennie has no doubt the All Blacks can win next year’s World Cup.
“It will take a lot of work, it will take a lot of alignment … it’s a sprint from here by the time we start we’ll have about 15 months until the World Cup.”
Rennie said selection would be based on form.
“I guess one advantage is players are going to have to earn their right to wear the jersey, I’ve sort of got no loyalties, I don’t come from a team where I’ve had a lot of these guys previously so I I think that’s really exciting.”
Rennie said he would focus on the All Blacks culture.
“We’ll be really clear on that and that will be driven within.”
NZR will work with Rennie to confirm the wider All Blacks coaching and management team but Rennie said he was keen to bring some people in.
“I’ve got a history of surrounding myself with quality people who can make a difference and I’m keen to do that.”
Kirk said Rennie had a proven track record of building strong performance environments and his clear direction for the team gave them confidence the All Blacks will be well positioned to perform at the Rugby World Cup.
Rennie, who is of Cook Islands descent through his mother, becomes the first All Blacks head coach with Pasifika heritage.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
