Source: Radio New Zealand
Dave Rennie has been selected as the side’s new head coach. PHOTOSPORT
Dave Rennie has been named the new All Blacks head coach through to the 2027 Rugby World Cup, seeing off Jamie Joseph in the two-man race to replace Scott Robertson.
The 62-year-old former Chiefs coach and coach of the Wallabies was unveiled as the national coach in a New Zealand Rugby social media post just before midday.
He will take up the role in June, when the Japanese Rugby League One season ends, where he coaches Kobelco Kobe Steelers.
He will take charge ahead of the July home series against France, Italy and Ireland.
PHOTOSPORT
Rennie, who is of Cook Islands descent through his mother, becomes the first All Blacks head coach with Pasifika heritage.
NZR chair David Kirk said Rennie has a proven track record as a successful head coach.
PHOTOSPORT
“On behalf of the Board, I’d like to congratulate Dave on his appointment as All Blacks head coach. He is a world-class coach who has consistently shown he can build strong performance environments and win.
“Dave understands what it means to coach the All Blacks and play a style of rugby that reflects who we are as New Zealanders.
“He has a deep understanding of rugby in New Zealand and the role the All Blacks play in shaping our national identity and bringing communities together.”
Rennie said his appointment was a privilege.
“Coaching the All Blacks is an incredible honour. I’m extremely proud to have been entrusted with this role and understand the expectations that come with it.
“I’m really clear on the way I want the All Blacks to play and I look forward to working with the players, management team, and the rugby community. We have a lot of talent here and we will be working extremely hard to make the country proud.”
David Kirk, the chair of NZ Rugby, speaks to media following the departure of All Blacks coach Scott Robertson Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz
Kirk said he believed the appointment process had been the most thorough the organisation has undertaken for an All Blacks coach.
“The All Blacks are set for a challenging and exciting two seasons ahead and it’s critical we followed a thorough process to find the right head coach. Dave has a clear direction for the team that gives us confidence the team will be well positioned to perform as we head into the 2027 Rugby World Cup.”
NZR will now work with Rennie to confirm the wider All Blacks coaching and management team, with updates to be provided in the coming weeks.
Chiefs coach Dave Rennie PHOTOSPORT
Rennie emerged as top level coach when he steered the New Zealand under-20 team to three consecutive junior world championships between 2008 and 2010, guided the Chiefs to back-to-back Super Rugby titles in 2012 and 2013 and took the Glasgow Warriors to a Pro14 Final in 2019.
He has also delivered domestically in New Zealand with the Wellington Lions and Manawatu Turbos in the National Provincial Championship.
©PHOTOSPORT 2020
He was head coach of the Wallabies between 2020 and 2023, although largely struggled for success before being replaced by Eddie Jones.
Rennie was to speak to journalists in Auckland this afternoon.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
