Dave Rennie has officially been named the new head coach of the All Blacks, set to lead the team until the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. With a rich coaching background including a recent stint with Japan's Kobelco Kobe Steelers, Rennie brings a fresh perspective as the first coach of Pasifika heritage to helm the legendary New Zealand squad. He steps into his role with a clear vision, emphasizing form-based player selection and hinting at potential shifts in team dynamics.
During a revealing session with the press in Auckland, Rennie discussed his criteria for team selection, "Whether I was coming back to this role or not, I watch every game of Super Rugby. So, I’m not concerned about having an understanding of where players are at, but I’ll watch it closely." He stressed the importance of players earning their spots, "I've sort of got no loyalties. We’ll select based on form." This approach signals a significant shift from previous tenures, where historical performance and reputation also played a crucial role.
"One advantage is players are going to have to earn the right to wear the jersey. I've got no loyalties."
Rennie's strategy includes potentially reintegrating overseas-based New Zealand players back into the national squad. He highlighted the form of Brodie Retallick, a test centurion under his coaching at Kobelco, "I get to see him train and play every week. He’s stronger than he’s ever been. He’s fitter than he’s ever been." These comments underline Rennie's willingness to bolster the All Blacks with top-tier talent, irrespective of their playing locale.
The new coach also plans to reach out to key players from the previous regime, including 2024 and 2025 captain Scott Barrett, expressing a keenness to discuss the team's future direction under his leadership.
Rennie's appointment was a competitive affair, edged out over Jamie Joseph, who graciously congratulated him. "I really appreciate his message. That just shows the class of the man," Rennie acknowledged, appreciating the sportsmanship displayed by Joseph.
With the Nations Championship and a face-off with the Springboks on the horizon, followed by the Rugby World Cup, Rennie is under no illusions about the scale of the challenge ahead. "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." His tenure begins on a note of cautious optimism, framed by the need for immediate and effective action.
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Dave Rennie has officially been named the new head coach of the All Blacks, set to lead the team until the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. With a rich coaching background including a recent stint with Japan's Kobelco Kobe Steelers, Rennie brings a fresh perspective as the first coach of Pasifika heritage to helm the legendary New Zealand squad. He steps into his role with a clear vision, emphasizing form-based player selection and hinting at potential shifts in team dynamics.
During a revealing session with the press in Auckland, Rennie discussed his criteria for team selection, "Whether I was coming back to this role or not, I watch every game of Super Rugby. So, I’m not concerned about having an understanding of where players are at, but I’ll watch it closely." He stressed the importance of players earning their spots, "I've sort of got no loyalties. We’ll select based on form." This approach signals a significant shift from previous tenures, where historical performance and reputation also played a crucial role.
"One advantage is players are going to have to earn the right to wear the jersey. I've got no loyalties."
Rennie's strategy includes potentially reintegrating overseas-based New Zealand players back into the national squad. He highlighted the form of Brodie Retallick, a test centurion under his coaching at Kobelco, "I get to see him train and play every week. He’s stronger than he’s ever been. He’s fitter than he’s ever been." These comments underline Rennie's willingness to bolster the All Blacks with top-tier talent, irrespective of their playing locale.
The new coach also plans to reach out to key players from the previous regime, including 2024 and 2025 captain Scott Barrett, expressing a keenness to discuss the team's future direction under his leadership.
Rennie's appointment was a competitive affair, edged out over Jamie Joseph, who graciously congratulated him. "I really appreciate his message. That just shows the class of the man," Rennie acknowledged, appreciating the sportsmanship displayed by Joseph.
With the Nations Championship and a face-off with the Springboks on the horizon, followed by the Rugby World Cup, Rennie is under no illusions about the scale of the challenge ahead. "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." His tenure begins on a note of cautious optimism, framed by the need for immediate and effective action.