New Zealand Rugby appointed Dave Rennie as All Blacks head coach, replacing the sacked Scott Robertson on a short-term deal.
NZR named Rennie as the new All Blacks head coach on Wednesday. He replaces Robertson, who was dismissed midway through a four-year contract in January. Robertson departed after leading the All Blacks to 20 wins from 27 matches, a record deemed below the standards expected of the national team.
“Coaching the All Blacks is an incredible honour. I’m extremely proud to have been entrusted with this role and understand the expectations that come with it,” Rennie said.
“I’m really clear on the way I want the All Blacks to play and I look forward to working with the players, management team, and the rugby community.”
NEW ZEALAND RUGBY OPT FOR RENNIE OVER JOSEPH
Rennie beat former Japan coach and current Highlanders boss Jamie Joseph to the position. NZ Rugby chairman David Kirk confirmed the appointment process was the most thorough in the team’s history.
The 62-year-old inherits a team unsettled by a damaging 2025 performance review. Reports of a player revolt against Robertson had further rocked the camp beforehand.
““He is a world-class coach who has consistently shown he can build strong performance environments and win,” said NZ Rugby chairman David Kirk.
“Dave understands what it means to coach the All Blacks and play a style of rugby that reflects who we are as New Zealanders.”
“The All Blacks are set for a challenging and exciting two seasons ahead and it’s critical we followed a thorough process to find the right head coach,” he said.
“Dave has a clear direction for the team that gives us confidence the team will be well positioned to perform as we head into the 2027 World Cup.”
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A COACH WITH PROVEN PEDIGREE
Rennie brings a strong coaching record across multiple competitions and countries. He guided the Chiefs to back-to-back Super Rugby titles in 2012 and 2013. He also took Glasgow Warriors to a Pro14 final in 2019 during his stint overseas. Furthermore, Rennie led the New Zealand Under-20 side to three consecutive Junior World Championships between 2008 and 2010.
He previously coached the Wallabies from 2020 until 2023, but was let go before the World Cup. Eddie Jones served as his successor. Most recently, Rennie transformed the Kobelco Kobe Steelers into title contenders in Japan’s League One.
WHEN RENNIE WILL OFFICIALLY TAKE THE OVER
NZR has confirmed that Rennie will first honour his remaining commitments with Kobe Steelers in Japan. He then returns to New Zealand to prepare for their July home Tests against France, Italy, and Ireland.
Additionally, NZR said it would work with Rennie to confirm the wider All Blacks coaching and management team, with updates expected in the “coming weeks”.
