All Blacks announce new coaching changes as assistants let go

The All Blacks have announced a host of changes to the coaching group ahead of the start of the team’s tough start to the Rugby Championship campaign in South Africa.

After the 2-1 series loss to Ireland in the Steinlager Series, pressure has been mounting on New Zealand Rugby to make changes after losing four of the last five test matches.

The axe has fallen on assistants John Plumtree and Brad Mooar who have now parted ways, stepping down from their roles with the All Blacks.

Former Hurricanes head coach Plumtree was the forwards coach while former Crusaders assistant Mooar was in charge of the backs.

Foster thanked the pair for their ‘enormous’ contributions to the team and their hard work.

“Right now, I am really feeling for two fine men who are great rugby coaches that made an enormous contribution to the All Blacks,” Foster said in a statement released by NZR.

“I have no doubt both coaches will go on to great success and I want to thank them for their hard work.”

Replacing Plumtree will be Crusaders forward coach Jason Ryan, who has been an integral part of Scott Robertson’s championship-winning coaching group.

Ryan also impressed as the Fiji forwards coach when the side took on the All Blacks last July. He will join the team in camp next week.

“Jason is a proven performer with plenty of experience at international level,” said Foster.

“Last year we witnessed first-hand the impact he has made on Fiji’s forwards, adding to his continual growth as the forwards coach of the Crusaders. His appointment now is clearly with an eye to the future and to the Rugby World Cup 2023.”

There is no direct replacement for Mooar however Ian Foster has decided to take over the backs group in the interim, while Joe Schmidt will start his new role as a selector having decided to delay his start date until after Ireland’s tour.

However, the former Ireland head coach will take on extra duties by assisting Foster on the overall strategy and attack play as well as provide analysis to the playing group.