All Blacks: Dave Rennie Confirms Coaching Team to 2027 RWC

Former Wallabies coach Dave Rennie has assembled his coaching team for the All Blacks through to the 2027 Rugby World Cup, New Zealand Rugby announced Monday. The appointments include a mix of experienced international coaches and those with strong ties to New Zealand’s domestic game.

Neil Barnes, currently Head Coach of Taranaki, will serve as Senior Assistant Coach, bringing his expertise in lineout play. Jason Ryan will continue in his role as Forwards Coach, focusing on scrum and maul techniques. Faʻalogo Tana Umaga, a former All Blacks captain, will take on the Defence Coach position following the conclusion of his season with Moana Pasifika.

The All Blacks’ attack will be spearheaded by Mike Blair, presently Attack Coach at Japan Rugby League One’s Kobelco Kobe Steelers. His move to New Zealand is contingent upon receiving the necessary work visa from the New Zealand Government. Phil Healey has been appointed Head of Performance, responsible for leading the Health and Performance team.

Rennie emphasized the depth of experience within the newly formed group. “This is a very experienced and highly skilled coaching team,” he said. “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.”

Barnes’ appointment brings a wealth of experience, having previously worked with Rennie at the Chiefs from 2016 to 2021. He also has international coaching experience with Italy, Canada, and Fiji, including participation in three Rugby World Cups. Ryan, entering his fourth year with the All Blacks, was part of the coaching staff that reached the 2023 Rugby World Cup Final.

Umaga’s return to the All Blacks setup is notable, given his legendary status as a former captain and his 74 Test caps. He has held Head Coach roles with the Blues and Moana Pasifika, and has served as Defence Coach for Manu Samoa. He acknowledged the significance of the role, stating his commitment to both the All Blacks culture and his heritage.

Blair’s prior collaboration with Rennie at the Glasgow Warriors, where he helped the club reach the PRO14 semi-finals and Grand Final, is expected to be a valuable asset. Healey, who has worked alongside Rennie at the Chiefs, Glasgow Warriors, and Kobelco Kobe Steelers, will be responsible for overseeing the All Blacks’ strength and conditioning programs.

New Zealand Rugby Interim CEO Steve Lancaster acknowledged the difficult decisions involved in the coaching changes, paying tribute to outgoing coaches Scott Hansen, Tamati Ellison, and Bryn Evans. He also expressed confidence in the new coaching group, stating they would complement Rennie’s leadership.

Ellison has been appointed Māori All Blacks Head Coach for the Lipovitan D Challenge Cup in June, where they will face a Japan XV in Nagoya. Lancaster highlighted Ellison’s deep connection to Māori culture and his understanding of the team’s legacy.

Rennie stated that the coaching group is already engaged in planning for the season, with regular communication planned with Super Rugby clubs to assess players. The appointments mark a significant step in preparations for the 2026 season and the 2027 Rugby World Cup.