Dave Rennie, the new maestro for the All Blacks, has finally unveiled his team of lieutenants as they gear up for a World Cup crusade next year. While clinging to a familiar face in Jason Ryan, Rennie has largely pulled in the old gang from his glory days at various clubs. The new roster features Neil Barnes as senior assistant coach, Tana Umaga stepping in as defence coach, and Mike Blair taking on the role of attack coach.
Ryan, a holdover from the eras of Scott Robertson and Ian Foster, remains the forwards coach, ensuring some continuity in the coaching staff. Barnes, a key ally from Rennie’s time with the Chiefs, and Blair, who collaborated with Rennie at both Glasgow Warriors and Kobe Steelers, are set to inject some fresh strategic thinking. Blair, in particular, is noted for his innovative approach during his stint in the Pro 14 league and later in Japan since 2023.
"This is a very experienced and highly skilled coaching team," Rennie asserted. "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."
Joining the strength and conditioning front is Phil Healey, now the head of performance, having previously worked under Rennie in multiple capacities. His role is pivotal in molding peak physical condition and performance, aligning closely with Rennie’s vision for the team. "Phil is one of the best in the business. We’ve worked closely together for a number of years," Rennie praised, confident in Healey's ability to drive excellence both in the gym and on the field.
Umaga, the former All Blacks captain with a rich career including 74 caps and current coaching role at Moana Pasifika, expressed deep honor in his new position.
"Just to be in the conversation, to have a role with the All Blacks again is pretty big,"
Umaga remarked, acknowledging the magnitude of the task ahead.
The shake-up comes after Rennie took the reins following Robertson’s unexpected departure, amidst a critical performance review and reported player dissent. Rennie, who has previously led the Chiefs to back-to-back Super Rugby titles, is now tasked with rejuvenating the All Blacks as they prepare to face France, Italy, and Ireland in upcoming home matches this July.
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Dave Rennie, the new maestro for the All Blacks, has finally unveiled his team of lieutenants as they gear up for a World Cup crusade next year. While clinging to a familiar face in Jason Ryan, Rennie has largely pulled in the old gang from his glory days at various clubs. The new roster features Neil Barnes as senior assistant coach, Tana Umaga stepping in as defence coach, and Mike Blair taking on the role of attack coach.
Ryan, a holdover from the eras of Scott Robertson and Ian Foster, remains the forwards coach, ensuring some continuity in the coaching staff. Barnes, a key ally from Rennie’s time with the Chiefs, and Blair, who collaborated with Rennie at both Glasgow Warriors and Kobe Steelers, are set to inject some fresh strategic thinking. Blair, in particular, is noted for his innovative approach during his stint in the Pro 14 league and later in Japan since 2023.
"This is a very experienced and highly skilled coaching team," Rennie asserted. "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."
Joining the strength and conditioning front is Phil Healey, now the head of performance, having previously worked under Rennie in multiple capacities. His role is pivotal in molding peak physical condition and performance, aligning closely with Rennie’s vision for the team. "Phil is one of the best in the business. We’ve worked closely together for a number of years," Rennie praised, confident in Healey's ability to drive excellence both in the gym and on the field.
Umaga, the former All Blacks captain with a rich career including 74 caps and current coaching role at Moana Pasifika, expressed deep honor in his new position.
"Just to be in the conversation, to have a role with the All Blacks again is pretty big,"
Umaga remarked, acknowledging the magnitude of the task ahead.The shake-up comes after Rennie took the reins following Robertson’s unexpected departure, amidst a critical performance review and reported player dissent. Rennie, who has previously led the Chiefs to back-to-back Super Rugby titles, is now tasked with rejuvenating the All Blacks as they prepare to face France, Italy, and Ireland in upcoming home matches this July.