Overview
- Dave Rennie confirmed his coaching group Tuesday, appointing Neil Barnes as senior assistant, Mike Blair for attack and Tana Umaga for defence, with Jason Ryan retained as forwards coach.
- The first Tests under the new setup begin July 4 against France in Christchurch, followed by Italy and Ireland in the Nations Championship.
- Blair and head of performance Phil Healey will finish the Japan Rugby League One season before joining, and Blair’s move still requires a New Zealand work visa.
- Phil Healey was named head of performance as Rennie reunites trusted staff from the Chiefs, Glasgow Warriors and Kobe Steelers.
- Scott Hansen, Tamati Ellison and Bryn Evans left the All Blacks staff, with Ellison appointed head coach of the Māori All Blacks for June’s Challenge Cup in Japan.