Overview
- New Zealand Rugby named Tana Umaga, Mike Blair and Neil Barnes to Dave Rennie’s staff on Tuesday, retained Jason Ryan as the lone holdover, and appointed Phil Healey as head of performance.
- Scott Hansen, Tamati Ellison and Bryn Evans departed the senior setup, with Ellison moving to lead the Māori All Blacks for their June Challenge Cup fixtures in Japan.
- Rennie set clear briefs for the group, with Blair to run the attack, Umaga the defence, Barnes as senior assistant with lineout duties, Ryan focusing on the scrum and maul, and Healey in charge of physical preparation.
- Blair and Healey will finish the Kobe Steelers’ Japan League One season before relocating, and Umaga will join after completing Moana Pasifika’s Super Rugby campaign, with Blair’s move subject to a New Zealand work visa.
- The revamped team begins preparations for the Nations Championship, opening against France in Christchurch on July 4 as the All Blacks start their run into the 2027 Rugby World Cup cycle.