All Blacks complete new coaching lineup with surprise appointments
· The South African
New All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie has finalised his assistant coaching group for the current World Cup cycle.
Rennie turned largely to familiar faces from his successful club coaching career to fill the roles. The appointments signal a clear intent to build a tight-knit, experienced management group from day one.
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Jason Ryan is the one holdover, retaining his forwards coach role from the previous regime. Neil Barnes joins as senior assistant coach, having worked with Rennie at the Chiefs until 2017. Barnes also brings specialist lineout expertise to complement his broader leadership responsibilities within the group.
ATTACK, DEFENCE AND EXPERIENCE KEY FOR ALL BLACKS
Former All Blacks captain Tana Umaga takes on the defence portfolio once Moana Pasifika’s season concludes. Umaga, capped 74 times for New Zealand, previously served as head coach of the Blues and Moana Pasifika. His appointment adds significant mana and defensive know-how to Rennie’s backroom staff.
Mike Blair, former Scotland captain and British & Irish Lion, comes in as attack coach. Blair worked under Rennie at Glasgow Warriors in 2018-19 and has been alongside him at the Kobe Steelers since 2023. He will relocate to New Zealand after completing the current Japan Rugby League One season.
“Tana brings immense mana and defensive insight,” Rennie said. “Mike will bring his innovative approach and attention to detail to our attack.”
HEALEY COMPLETES THE GROUP
Strength and conditioning coach Phil Healey rounds out the management group as Head of Performance. Like Blair and Barnes, Healey has a long-standing working relationship with Rennie across multiple clubs. The two worked together at the Chiefs, Glasgow Warriors and the Kobelco Kobe Steelers in Japan.
“Phil is one of the best in the business,” said Rennie. “I have massive confidence in his ability to deliver in the gym and on the grass.” Healey will return to New Zealand at the conclusion of the Kobe Steelers’ season.
NEW ZEALAND RUGBY THANKS OUTGOING GROUP FOR THEIR SERVICE
New Zealand Rugby Interim CEO Steve Lancaster acknowledged the outgoing coaches with warm words. Scott Hansen, Tamati Ellison and Bryn Evans all departed following the coaching review process. Lancaster described the trio as outstanding professionals who each made important contributions to the All Blacks jersey.
Rennie said the new group had already begun its planning ahead of the 2026 season. The coaches will visit Super Rugby clubs in the coming months to meet with All Blacks players. New Zealand’s first Test matches under Rennie are scheduled for July, with France, Italy and Ireland all due to visit.
“I know this group will challenge and support both me and our players,” Rennie said. “I can’t wait to get going.”