Overview
- Dave Rennie named his assistants on Tuesday, appointing Neil Barnes as senior assistant, Mike Blair for attack, and Tana Umaga for defence while retaining Jason Ryan as forwards coach.
- New Zealand Rugby also installed Phil Healey as head of performance after his long partnership with Rennie at the Chiefs, Glasgow Warriors and Kobe Steelers.
- Blair and Healey will complete the Kobe Steelers season in Japan before relocating, and Blair’s move is subject to a New Zealand work visa.
- Umaga will finish the Super Rugby Pacific season with Moana Pasifika before joining the All Blacks, while Tamati Ellison shifts to Māori All Blacks head coach for June.
- The revamped group now turns to July home Tests in the new Nations Championship against France, Italy and Ireland as the start of the build to the 2027 Rugby World Cup.