Source : ABC NEWS
The All Blacks have appointed Dave Rennie as their new head coach, three years after he was sacked from the same position with the Wallabies.
Rennie will lead the team through to the 2027 Rugby World Cup, which will be held in Australia.
He replaces Scott Robertson, who departed the role suddenly in January following an end-of-season review.
Robertson won 20 of 27 Tests in charge of the All Blacks.
Rennie was removed as Wallabies coach in dramatic circumstances after three seasons in charge.
The New Zealander’s contract was terminated at the beginning of 2023, with Rugby Australia turning to Eddie Jones.
Jones led the Wallabies to their earliest Rugby World Cup exit in tournament history later that year.
Dave Rennie coached the Wallabies for three seasons. ( Getty/PA Images: David Davies)
Rennie, who is of Cook Islands heritage, becomes the first All Blacks head coach with Pasifika heritage.
“Coaching the All Blacks is an incredible honour,” he said in a New Zealand Rugby statement.
“I’m extremely proud to have been entrusted with this role, and understand the expectations that come with it.
“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.
“We have a lot of talent here, and we will be working extremely hard to make the country proud.”
Rennie has a proud coaching record, having led the Chiefs to consecutive Super Rugby titles in 2012 and 2013.
He also coached New Zealand to three consecutive Junior World Championships between 2008 and 2010.
Rennie is currently coaching Japanese club Kobelco Kobe Steelers and will return to New Zealand ahead of the All Blacks’ July home series against France, Italy and Ireland.
His appointment came on the same day the ACT Brumbies announced Stephen Larkham had extended his contract as the franchise’s head coach.
Larkham had been linked to a potential role on the All Blacks’ coaching staff.
