All Blacks reveal new head coach: Who is Dave Rennie?

Source: Radio New Zealand

The All Blacks have a new head at the helm.

Dave Rennie has been appointed to one of the most scrutinised jobs in the country.

He succeeds Scott ‘Razor’ Robertson as the 28th All Blacks coach.

Here is everything you need to know about David Noel Rennie:

Born in Upper Hutt, Rennie was educated at Heretaunga College. His mother is from the Cook Islands (Titikaveka, Rarotonga), and Rennie played a non-test match for the country in 1990.

Rennie played his club rugby for Upper Hutt RFC before a shoulder injury forced him to hang up the boots at just 27.

He trained as a teacher, and was appointed to an intermediate school in Upper Hutt.

Rennie played 58 times for his province, Wellington, winning the NPC crown in 1986, the last time the Lions would lift the trophy until Rennie returned as coach.

He quickly moved into a coaching role at Upper Hutt RFC following his playing days.

His coaching career continued in the capital as he took an assistant coaching role for the Wellington Lions in 1999.

Just one year later, he was promoted to the top role and would take the Lions on arguably the most memorable NPC run in history, culminating in one of the greatest games played in New Zealand.

Leading a team of legends such as Jonah Lomu, Christian Cullen and Tana Umaga, Rennie’s men overcame an All Black-laden Canterbury team to claim an historic 34-29 win.

After three seasons with the NPC side, Rennie was given his first Super Rugby assignment, named as assistant at the Hurricanes.

The 2002 season ended with the Hurricanes ninth with a 5-6 record. Graham Mourie would resign for the 2003 season with Colin Cooper taking over.

Rennie headed north in 2006 to take over at Manawatū, who he coached for 69 games until 2011.

Another big break came when Rennie was assigned the top job for the New Zealand Under 20s in 2008, leading them to three titles on the trot.

Among his players were Aaron Smith, Sam Whitelock and Julian Savea.

He was then given the reins at the Chiefs in 2012, and in his debut season, led them to an inaugural Super Rugby title.

In what ranks as a career highlight for Rennie, the Chiefs went back to back in 2013, with Aaron Cruden, Brodie Retallick, Liam Messam and Sam Cane in the side.

Rennie spent a further three seasons with the Chiefs before making the move to Scotland to coach the Glasgow Warriors.

He again made a strong start, with the Warriors winning 10 straight before falling short in the Pro14 semifinal.

The next year the side went one better, but again fell at the final hurdle.

Rennie would step down after a Covid-interupted final season in Scotland.

Bar his new All Blacks assignment, Rennie’s toughest task as a coach came in 2019 when he was announced as the replacement for Michael Cheika as Wallabies head coach.

Covid would again wreak havoc during his time with Australia, and it included difficult tours to Europe which saw the Wallabies suffer a first ever loss to Italy.

Much like his predecessor Robertson, Rennie was unceremoniously sacked from the Wallabies gig, replaced in 2023 by Eddie Jones.

Of his 34 tests in charge of the Wallabies, they won just 13.

‘Understand the expectations’

After three seasons in Japan with the Kobe Steelers, Rennie won the two-horse race for the All Blacks gig, beating out Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph.

“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,” Rennie said.

“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.”

Rennie’s first assignment is in July when the All Blacks host France, Italy and Ireland for three tests in New Zealand.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand