Dave Rennie has confirmed a sweeping overhaul of the All Blacks coaching staff, bringing in trusted lieutenants from his title-winning past while retaining just one assistant from Scott Robertson’s regime ahead of a pivotal two-year cycle through to the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

• Mike Blair becomes the first foreign assistant in All Blacks history as attack coach
• Tana Umaga appointed defence coach, returning to the team he captained to 74 Test caps
• Neil Barnes named senior assistant coach, reuniting with Rennie after their Chiefs title-winning partnership
• Jason Ryan the sole survivor from Scott Robertson’s regime, retained as forwards coach
• Phil Healey appointed head of performance, replacing Nic Gill who has joined NFL’s Baltimore Ravens
• Tamati Ellison moved to Māori All Blacks head coach for June fixtures against Japan
• Scott Hansen and Bryn Evans depart the All Blacks set-up

The appointments, announced on Tuesday, see All Blacks great Tana Umaga return to the environment where he earned 74 Test caps as defence coach, while long-time Rennie collaborator Neil Barnes takes on the senior assistant role. Jason Ryan remains as forwards coach — the sole survivor from Robertson’s tenure — while Scotsman Mike Blair arrives as attack coach, becoming the first foreign assistant in All Blacks history.

Read: Former Wallabies boss Rennie wins race to be next All Blacks coach

The changes mark a decisive break from the Robertson era, with Scott Hansen, Tamati Ellison and Bryn Evans all departing the All Blacks coaching group. NZR interim CEO Steve Lancaster paid tribute to the outgoing coaches while confirming Ellison would be retained within the wider New Zealand Rugby system.

“I want to pay tribute to the service that Scott Hansen, Tamati Ellison and Bryn Evans have given to the black jersey,” Lancaster said. “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 testament to the outstanding professionals and good people they all are.”

Umaga returns with ‘immense mana’

The appointment of Umaga carries significant weight both symbolically and practically. The 52-year-old was the first All Blacks captain of Pasifika heritage, leading the side in 21 Tests from 2004 to 2005 with an 18-win record. He famously introduced the Kapa o Pango haka during his captaincy.

Umaga’s connection with Rennie dates back to the early 2000s, when he was a player under Rennie at Wellington during their NPC title-winning campaign in 2000 and subsequently at the Hurricanes. His coaching career has since taken him to Toulon in France, Counties Manukau — where he won the Championship Division and the province’s first Ranfurly Shield — the Blues and most recently Moana Pasifika.

He has also served as defence coach for Manu Samoa since 2021 and was assistant coach for the First Nations & Pasifika Invitational XV against the British & Irish Lions in 2025.

“Just to be in the conversation — to have a role with the All Blacks again is pretty big,” Umaga said. “I’ve got to make sure that I do well with Moana Pasifika and respect the time that I’ve got here. I’ll apply the same things I learned when I was an All Black in terms of ‘am I going to leave Moana in a better place?’ I’m here until the end of the season and we’ve still got things we want to achieve before then.”

Umaga will join the All Blacks at the conclusion of Moana Pasifika’s Super Rugby Pacific campaign.

Barnes brings lineout expertise and title-winning pedigree

Neil Barnes joins as senior assistant coach, reuniting with Rennie after their partnership delivered back-to-back Super Rugby titles with the Chiefs in 2012 and 2013. Barnes brings expertise in lineout work and forwards coaching, having spent time on the international scene with Canada, Fiji and Italy before assuming charge of Taranaki in the NPC.

Under Barnes, Taranaki produced an unbeaten season in 2021 to claim the NPC title, followed by a second title in 2023. He re-signed with Taranaki for the 2026 season in January, making his departure bittersweet.

“I’m under no illusions at the size of the challenge, and the responsibility and pressure that comes with it,” Barnes said. “Along with the buzz of making it to All Blacks level, comes a level of sadness that I can’t carry on coaching the Yarrows Taranaki Bulls and trying every day to make our province proud. I consider myself very fortunate to have been allowed the privilege of coaching our province over this period, a task I’ve given my all to, and hopefully leaving in a position of strength.”

Barnes shot to wider prominence during Netflix’s Six Nations: Full Contact documentary, where his unfiltered approach — featuring a stream of colourful language — saw him described as the “breakout star” during his time as Italy’s assistant coach.

Ryan retained for continuity

Jason Ryan is now in his fourth year with the All Blacks, having been first appointed to the coaching team under Ian Foster in 2022. He was reportedly “hand-picked” by players at the time and has since served under both Foster and Robertson, playing a key role in guiding the team to the 2023 Rugby World Cup Final.

Ryan’s background includes more than 180 senior games for Christchurch club Sydenham before moving into coaching. He helped Canterbury to three NPC titles in four years as assistant coach before enjoying similar success at the Crusaders, winning the Super Rugby title in each of his six seasons there.

“I’m incredibly honoured to be reappointed to the All Blacks coaching team,” Ryan said. “I’ve really appreciated the support and trust from Renns, the players, management and NZR. There’s a clear sense of purpose around this group and I’m excited to keep contributing, growing, and helping the team push toward its goals.”

Blair makes history as foreign assistant

Mike Blair becomes the first foreign assistant coach in All Blacks history. The former Scotland captain and British & Irish Lion is Scotland’s most capped halfback of all time and was a World Player of the Year nominee during his playing career.

Blair turned to coaching with Glasgow Warriors in 2016, where he worked as an assistant under Rennie and helped the club to Pro14 semi-finals and the Grand Final in 2018 and 2019, as well as Champions Cup quarter-finals in 2017 and 2019. He was recruited into the Scotland national side in 2016 as a skills and attack coach before taking his first head coach role at Edinburgh, where he had previously amassed 169 caps as a player.

He is currently attack coach under Rennie at the Kobelco Kobe Steelers and will complete the Japan Rugby League One season before moving to New Zealand, subject to the granting of a work visa.

Blair will bring what Rennie described as an “innovative approach and attention to detail” to the All Blacks’ attack — an area that struggled under Robertson’s tenure.

Healey replaces Gill as head of performance

Phil Healey has been appointed head of performance, replacing the long-serving Nic Gill, who departed for the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens after more than 240 Tests with the All Blacks.

Healey has worked extensively with Rennie, including at the Chiefs during their back-to-back title wins in 2012 and 2013, at Glasgow Warriors, and currently at the Kobe Steelers. He also worked with the Blues during their Super Rugby Trans-Tasman title in 2021 and was part of the All Blacks XV management for the 2022 Northern Tour.

“As a Kiwi working in high performance sport, there is no greater honour than joining the All Blacks,” Healey said. “I look forward to contributing to an environment that constantly strives for excellence by supporting the players and management to perform at their best.”

Ellison takes Māori All Blacks role

Tamati Ellison, who departs the All Blacks coaching group, has been appointed Māori All Blacks head coach for the Lipovitan D Challenge Cup in June, where they will face a Japan XV at Paloma Mizuho Stadium in Nagoya.

Ellison, a former New Zealand Māori co-captain, was All Black #1099 and brings deep understanding of the pride and legacy associated with the team.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to lead my people,” Ellison said. “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.”

Rennie’s trusted team takes shape

The appointments reflect Rennie’s stated intention to surround himself with coaches he knows and trusts. Barnes, Blair and Healey have all worked extensively with the new head coach, while Umaga’s connection dates back to Rennie’s early coaching career in Wellington.

“This is a very experienced and highly skilled coaching team,” Rennie said. “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.

“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 acknowledged the professionalism of the outgoing coaches: “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.”

The coaching group will assemble ahead of the All Blacks’ July home series against France, Italy and Ireland as part of the inaugural Nations Championship.

The All Blacks face France, Italy and Ireland in July before embarking on the four-Test “Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry” tour against South Africa.

New Zealand Rugby has turned to Dave Rennie to lead the All Blacks, appointing the 62-year-old as head coach through to the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

• Dave Rennie appointed All Blacks head coach through to the 2027 Rugby World Cup
• The 62-year-old becomes the first head coach with Pasifika heritage in All Blacks history
• Rennie replaces Scott Robertson, who was sacked in January after less than two years in charge
• Former Wallabies coach beat Jamie Joseph in a two-man race for the role
• Will complete Japan commitments before taking charge ahead of July Tests against France, Italy and Ireland

The appointment, announced on Wednesday, brings to an end a near-50-day search that followed the dramatic sacking of Scott Robertson in mid-January. Rennie beat Jamie Joseph in what became a two-man race for arguably the most scrutinised coaching role in world rugby.

He returns to Aotearoa!

Introducing your new All Blacks Head Coach, Dave Rennie 👏🏼🇳🇿 pic.twitter.com/KYCZ7MCcBX

— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) March 3, 2026

Rennie, who is of Cook Islands descent through his mother from Titikaveka, Rarotonga, becomes the first All Blacks head coach with Pasifika heritage — a historic milestone, though one that arrives amid considerable turbulence within New Zealand Rugby.

“Coaching the All Blacks is an incredible honour,” Rennie said. “I’m extremely proud to have been entrusted with this role and understand the expectations that come with it.”

Questions over the appointment

While Rennie’s credentials within New Zealand rugby are substantial — back-to-back Super Rugby titles with the Chiefs in 2012 and 2013, three consecutive Junior World Championships with the Under-20s — his more recent record invites scrutiny.

His tenure as Wallabies coach from 2020 to 2023 yielded mixed results. Australia won just 40 per cent of their matches under his guidance and failed to trouble New Zealand or South Africa consistently in the Rugby Championship. He departed with Australian rugby in a state of flux, his contract not renewed after a disappointing 2023 Rugby World Cup campaign that saw the Wallabies exit at the group stage.

The decision to appoint a coach who struggled to turn around one southern hemisphere giant to now rescue another raises legitimate questions. At 62, Rennie is also older than any All Blacks head coach in recent memory, and his two-year contract offers limited runway to implement meaningful change before the World Cup.

NZR Chair David Kirk defended the process, calling it the most thorough the organisation has undertaken for an All Blacks head coach.

“Dave understands what it means to coach the All Blacks and play a style of rugby that reflects who we are as New Zealanders,” Kirk said. “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.”

A team in crisis?

Rennie inherits an All Blacks side in disarray. Robertson’s dismissal after just 18 months — following a tenure marked by inconsistent performances and reported rifts within the playing group — represents one of the most dramatic interventions in New Zealand rugby history. The fact that NZR moved so decisively suggests problems ran deeper than results alone.

The new head coach faces an immediate and formidable challenge. The inaugural Nations Championship looms, as does a home series in July against France, Italy and Ireland — three of the northern hemisphere’s most competitive sides. Ireland, in particular, have had the measure of the All Blacks in recent years, winning three of their last four encounters.

Rennie will honour his commitments with Kobelco Kobe Steelers in Japan before returning to New Zealand ahead of those July fixtures, leaving him limited preparation time with his new squad. NZR has indicated it will work with Rennie to confirm the wider coaching team in coming weeks — a process that will be closely watched given the reported dysfunction under Robertson’s tenure.

The Wallabies factor

Rennie’s appointment carries an intriguing subplot. His intimate knowledge of Australian rugby — its systems, its players, its vulnerabilities — could prove valuable with a World Cup on Australian soil in 2027. Equally, his inability to achieve consistent success with the Wallabies may concern those who wonder whether he can extract more from New Zealand’s playing stocks.

“I’m really clear on the way I want the All Blacks to play,” Rennie said. “We have a lot of talent here and we will be working extremely hard to make the country proud.”

Talent has never been New Zealand’s problem. The All Blacks remain stacked with world-class players across virtually every position. The question is whether Rennie — a coach whose last major assignment ended in disappointment — can harness that talent more effectively than his predecessors.

What lies ahead

Kirk acknowledged the significance of the road ahead: “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.”

Yet some will question whether NZR’s “thorough process” has delivered the bold appointment the situation demanded. Joe Schmidt, the mastermind behind Ireland’s recent dominance, was reportedly unavailable. Vern Cotter, Andy Farrell, and other high-profile names were apparently not pursued or not interested.

In the end, New Zealand has turned to a familiar face — a coach with deep roots in the country’s rugby system but whose recent track record suggests the task ahead is anything but straightforward. Rennie has two years to prove the doubters wrong, with a World Cup on enemy soil as the ultimate test.

For New Zealand rugby, desperate for stability after years of underperformance against the sport’s elite, the appointment is a calculated gamble. Whether it pays off will determine not just Rennie’s legacy, but the trajectory of the All Blacks for a generation.

Dave Rennie will take charge of the All Blacks ahead of their July home series against France, Italy and Ireland.

In one of the most dramatic developments in All Blacks history, Scott Robertson has been sacked as head coach after just two years in charge, with New Zealand Rugby acting decisively following an internal review that painted a damning picture of the team’s direction and culture.

Key moments

• Scott Robertson dismissed after just two years of four-year contract
• Internal review reveals damning feedback from senior players on coaching environment
• Record 43-10 defeat to South Africa proved watershed moment
• Two assistant coaches departed during Robertson’s tenure
• NZR chairman David Kirk cites lack of “trajectory” towards 2027 World Cup
• Jamie Joseph emerges as frontrunner to replace Robertson
• Decision leaves All Blacks searching for coach ahead of crucial 2026 schedule

The decision, announced on Thursday, sends shockwaves through world rugby and leaves the All Blacks scrambling to find a new leader with only 20 months remaining until the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. For Robertson, the man who arrived with a golden reputation after guiding the Crusaders to seven consecutive Super Rugby titles, it represents a spectacular fall from grace in the job he had campaigned so vocally to secure.

Scott Robertson has departed as Head Coach of the All Blacks. We wish Razor all the best with his next steps.

A process will commence immediately to recruit a new Head Coach. pic.twitter.com/WWDtsox5ed

— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) January 15, 2026

NZR chairman David Kirk, addressing the media in Auckland, was unequivocal about the reasoning behind the brutal decision. “The All Blacks are not on track the way they need to be on track for the 2027 World Cup,” Kirk stated. “I think trajectory is a good word to apply, we just weren’t seeing the trajectory. Fans will probably have shared that… we were falling a bit short of the excellence that we’re looking for, it never really got addressed over the year.”

The timing is particularly striking given the challenges ahead. The All Blacks face one of their most demanding schedules in 2026, including a landmark four-Test series against world champions South Africa in the inaugural Greatest Rivalry tour, as well as Nations Championship fixtures against Ireland, France and Italy at home, followed by a northern tour featuring England, Scotland and Wales.

The cracks begin to show

Robertson’s tenure, which began with much fanfare following the 2023 Rugby World Cup, was marked by increasingly visible fractures both on and off the field. The first significant red flag emerged in August 2024 when assistant coach Leon MacDonald departed halfway through the Rugby Championship, just two months after being unveiled as part of Robertson’s coaching team. Sold publicly as a clash in coaching styles, the move raised eyebrows throughout New Zealand rugby circles.

“As coaches, we have differing views and both agreed it wasn’t working,” Robertson said at the time. However, it was understood MacDonald was unhappy taking a back seat to Scott Hansen, Robertson’s right-hand man from his Crusaders days.

The departure of Jason Holland, the set-piece attack and backs coach, in October compounded concerns about Robertson’s management style. That a coach would leave a coveted All Blacks position less than two years before a World Cup to return to the Hurricanes as an assistant raised serious questions about the environment Robertson had created.

Record defeat proves watershed

If there was a single moment that crystallised the All Blacks’ struggles under Robertson, it came on a miserable September evening in Wellington. The 43-10 demolition by South Africa represented New Zealand’s heaviest-ever defeat, surpassing even the 35-7 loss to the Springboks that had preceded the 2023 World Cup. More damning than the scoreline was the manner of capitulation – the All Blacks showed little fight as the Springboks ran in unanswered tries in the closing stages.

Robertson looked haunted in the aftermath, and whilst the All Blacks would win five of their remaining six tests in 2025, finishing with 10 victories from 13 matches, the lack of progress was glaring. Their attack remained dysfunctional, their structure appeared confused, and the excellence expected of the world’s most storied rugby nation seemed increasingly distant.

The 29-23 defeat to Argentina in Buenos Aires – New Zealand’s first loss to Los Pumas away from home – and the comprehensive 33-19 thrashing by England at Twickenham in November only reinforced the impression of a team drifting. It marked just the ninth time in 120 years of rivalry that England had beaten the All Blacks.

Player discontent emerges

Perhaps most damaging for Robertson were reports of widespread player dissatisfaction that emerged in December following the northern tour. The internal review, led by Kirk, NZR board member and former All Black Keven Mealamu, and former high performance manager Don Tricker, canvassed up to 20 senior players about the coaching set-up, environment and culture.

The feedback, according to sources, was scathing. Reports suggested star back-row forward Ardie Savea, the former captain, was so disillusioned he was exploring options to remain with Japanese club Kobe Steelers or sign for a European club rather than return to the All Blacks under Robertson’s coaching.

However, Kirk was at pains to dismiss suggestions of a player revolt. “There was definitely no revolt,” he insisted. “The players were very measured and thoughtful in their responses. It’s very unfair to say that Ardie somehow led something, not at all. He expressed public opinions. Some of those opinions were not agreed with by other players. Others would have been somewhat aligned with them.”

Kirk confirmed Savea remains contracted until the end of 2027 and is expected to feature in the All Blacks’ future, with the 32-year-old potentially in contention for the captaincy under a new coach.

The haka controversy during the Italy fixture on the northern tour provided another example of the disconnect within the squad. TJ Perenara slipped a message of support for Treaty of Waitangi protests into the traditional war dance, with some players later posing with a Tino Rangatiratanga flag. Whilst Robertson claimed Perenara had discussed the alteration with management, it was understood numerous players and coaches were unaware of the plan, creating tension within the group.

A dignified departure

In his statement, Robertson struck a dignified tone despite the bitter disappointment. “Coaching the All Blacks has been the honour of my life,” the 51-year-old said. “I am incredibly proud of what this team has achieved and of the progress we have made. We have brought through a talented group of young players, strengthened the depth across the squad, and set solid foundations for the years ahead.”

He continued: “Following the end of year review I have taken time to reflect on some of the feedback. My priority has always been the success of the All Blacks and, after discussions with New Zealand Rugby, I believe it is in the best interests of the team for me to step aside. As you can imagine, I am gutted by this outcome. I care deeply about this team.”

Kirk acknowledged Robertson’s broader contribution to New Zealand rugby, noting his passion as both player and coach was evident. “He has continued to put the All Blacks first and we respect that he has done the hard but right thing in agreeing to depart,” Kirk said. “His commitment to and involvement in rugby in New Zealand at every level over a long period is significant. We wish him well for the future.”

The search begins

NZR has confirmed the recruitment process for Robertson’s replacement will commence immediately, with Kirk stating they will “cast the net wide” for what he described as “the greatest rugby coaching role in the world.”

Jamie Joseph has emerged as the clear frontrunner, having been narrowly beaten by Robertson when Ian Foster’s contract was not renewed following the 2023 World Cup. The 56-year-old former All Black played 20 tests for New Zealand and earned plaudits for guiding Japan to their first World Cup quarter-final at the 2019 home tournament. Since 2024, he has been coaching Super Rugby franchise the Highlanders, positioning him well for a step up to the national team.

Former Wallabies coach Dave Rennie is another name being mentioned as a potential candidate, though Kirk insisted there were no preferred options at this stage.

Kirk acknowledged it was “highly likely” the new coach would want to appoint their own assistants, meaning Hansen, Jason Ryan and Tamati Ellison could all follow Robertson out the door. The priority, Kirk stressed, was ensuring the new coaching group had sufficient time to implement their vision before the 2027 tournament.

Historical context and implications

The decision to sack Robertson represents one of the rarest interventions in modern All Blacks history. John Mitchell departed in 2003 after losing the World Cup semi-final to Australia, though he refused to stand down and his contract was simply not renewed. Wayne Smith’s tenure ended similarly in 2001. Since then, Graham Henry, Steve Hansen and Ian Foster all departed at the conclusion of their contracts, with Henry and Hansen immortalised as World Cup-winning coaches.

Foster’s fate provides a particularly stark comparison. Though he endured fierce criticism and won just 69.6 per cent of his 46 tests – a lower win rate than Robertson’s 74 per cent from 27 matches – he was allowed to guide the team to the 2023 World Cup final, where they lost to South Africa by a single point.

The contrast highlights how significantly standards and expectations have shifted. Robertson’s record of 20 wins from 27 tests would be considered exemplary for most international coaches, but for the All Blacks – a team that won back-to-back World Cups in 2011 and 2015 and had claimed 10 of the 12 Rugby Championship titles preceding Robertson’s arrival – anything less than dominance is deemed insufficient.

The 50 per cent win rate against Argentina and 25 per cent against South Africa told a damning story. The Springboks have established themselves as rugby’s pre-eminent force, and the All Blacks’ inability to compete with them consistently represented an existential crisis for New Zealand Rugby.

For Robertson personally, the dismissal marks a tragic denouement to what should have been the pinnacle of his coaching career. Renowned for creating winning cultures and connecting with players at the Crusaders, he appeared tense and burdened from the moment he took the All Blacks job. The free-spirited visionary who had revolutionised Super Rugby struggled under the weight of expectation and the glare of international scrutiny.

The All Blacks have a training camp scheduled for Monday, where players will digest the news and await confirmation of who will lead them forward. Kirk confirmed he had spoken to the leadership group before the announcement, noting their reaction was measured and professional. “Players are players, you get on with it,” Kirk said, drawing on his experience as the halfback who captained New Zealand to their 1987 World Cup triumph. “You want to impress the coach, you want to be seen to be someone contributing.”

As New Zealand Rugby begins its search for Robertson’s successor, the challenge is immense. The new coach must quickly establish authority, unite a fractured squad, implement tactical improvements, and prepare the team for an unprecedented schedule that includes eight matches against South Africa across the Greatest Rivalry series and regular season fixtures.

Most pressingly, they must restore the aura of invincibility that has slipped away as the All Blacks have struggled to match South Africa’s recent dominance. With the 2027 World Cup pool draw potentially setting up a quarter-final against the Springboks, and a pool match against hosts Australia, there is no margin for error.

For now, Scott Robertson’s tenure will be remembered not for the promise it held but for the opportunities missed and the foundations that crumbled. In the unforgiving arena of All Blacks rugby, where excellence is expected and second-best is failure, two years proved too long to wait for a trajectory that never materialised.