Tana Umaga, ex-captain of the All Blacks, was notably overwhelmed as he stepped into the role of assistant coach under Dave Rennie. Announced as the new defence coach this Tuesday, Umaga joins a revamped coaching squad, expressing that this opportunity is profoundly meaningful both personally and professionally.
“In terms of the opportunity that’s been given to me, proud is an understatement really,” Umaga shared, his connection to the team deep and personal. “To be back part of a team that holds a special place for me and my family … to get back in there is unbelievable really.”
Transitioning from his head coach position at Moana Pasifika, a role he has held since 2022, Umaga humorously recounted the tech troubles he faced while trying to sign his All Blacks contract. “I had to get my daughter to help me with this technology. I had my phone, and it’s a DocuSign thing. I was wondering why my finger wasn’t really doing the job in signing my signature, so she told me to use my iPad,” he said, later realizing the ease of using an iPad with a pen.
“There’s a big job ahead,”
Umaga acknowledged, eyeing the 2027 World Cup with a clear sense of the magnitude of the role. Having previously captained the All Blacks, he is no stranger to the pressures and sacrifices required at this level. “I’ve been fortunate enough to captain this side and that was a big job. I had to understand that, and also understand what comes with it – the sacrifices that not just yourself, but your family have to make,” he explained.
Umaga’s discussions with Rennie have been limited thus far due to their ongoing commitments, but he is set to officially join the All Blacks coaching staff in June. “I think my name was put into a hat, so that’s me putting my hand up,” he noted, reflecting on the selection process. “Then from that, I think Dave just had his pick of who he wanted to go in with. I was fortunate to get a call.”
As Umaga prepares to tackle his new role with a blend of anticipation and readiness, the rugby world watches with keen interest to see how his vast experience and unique insights will influence the All Blacks' strategies leading up to the World Cup.
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Tana Umaga, ex-captain of the All Blacks, was notably overwhelmed as he stepped into the role of assistant coach under Dave Rennie. Announced as the new defence coach this Tuesday, Umaga joins a revamped coaching squad, expressing that this opportunity is profoundly meaningful both personally and professionally.
“In terms of the opportunity that’s been given to me, proud is an understatement really,” Umaga shared, his connection to the team deep and personal. “To be back part of a team that holds a special place for me and my family … to get back in there is unbelievable really.”
Transitioning from his head coach position at Moana Pasifika, a role he has held since 2022, Umaga humorously recounted the tech troubles he faced while trying to sign his All Blacks contract. “I had to get my daughter to help me with this technology. I had my phone, and it’s a DocuSign thing. I was wondering why my finger wasn’t really doing the job in signing my signature, so she told me to use my iPad,” he said, later realizing the ease of using an iPad with a pen.
“There’s a big job ahead,”
Umaga acknowledged, eyeing the 2027 World Cup with a clear sense of the magnitude of the role. Having previously captained the All Blacks, he is no stranger to the pressures and sacrifices required at this level. “I’ve been fortunate enough to captain this side and that was a big job. I had to understand that, and also understand what comes with it – the sacrifices that not just yourself, but your family have to make,” he explained.Umaga’s discussions with Rennie have been limited thus far due to their ongoing commitments, but he is set to officially join the All Blacks coaching staff in June. “I think my name was put into a hat, so that’s me putting my hand up,” he noted, reflecting on the selection process. “Then from that, I think Dave just had his pick of who he wanted to go in with. I was fortunate to get a call.”
As Umaga prepares to tackle his new role with a blend of anticipation and readiness, the rugby world watches with keen interest to see how his vast experience and unique insights will influence the All Blacks' strategies leading up to the World Cup.