All Blacks announce three new assistant coaches to join Dave Rennie

The All Blacks have announced who will join new head coach Dave Rennie as his assistants, with only one member of Scott Robertson’s staff keeping their job under the new regime.

Rennie will be joined by Taranaki head coach Neil Barnes, Kobelco Kobe Steelers lead attack coach and former Scotland halfback Mike Blair, Moana Pasifika head coach Tana Umaga, and current forwards coach Jason Ryan.

This announcement means Robertson’s right-hand man, Scott Hansen will depart his role with the All Blacks, while Tamati Ellison has also been replaced by Umaga as the team’s defence coach.

Bryn Evans, who looked after the lineout under Robertson, also departs his specific role, which will likely be filled by the expertise of Barnes.

Ryan will continue his role as the All Blacks forwards coach, but will now have more of a specific portfolio, looking after the scrum and the maul.

Umaga will continue his Moana Pasifika role, but will transition into Rennie’s coaching staff at the conclusion of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season.

Blair, who has worked under Rennie at the Kobe Steelers, will take over the teams attack, subject to a working visa by the New Zealand Government.

New Zealand Rugby have also announced a new Head of Performance, Phil Healey, who has worked alongside Rennie at the Glasgow Warriors, the Chiefs, and now the Kobelco Kobe Steelers.

Rennie says he has confidence in Healey’s ability, and his appointment was a “priority”.

“Phil is one of the best in the business. We’ve worked closely together for a number of years now at the Chiefs, Glasgow Warriors and currently at the Kobelco Kobe Steelers,” Rennie said.

“We are aligned in what we expect from our athletes, and I have massive confidence in Phil’s ability to drive that in the gym and on the grass. Bringing him into the All Blacks management group was a priority for me.”

The new head coach says that all of the selected coaches are incredible people, and will add something to the All Blacks environment.

“This is a very experienced and highly skilled coaching team. 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.

“Neil provides outstanding leadership and strategic support; Jase has proven himself as one of the best forwards coaches in the game; Tana brings immense mana and defensive insight; and Mike will bring his innovative approach and attention to detail to our attack. I know this group will challenge and support both me and our players to bring the best out of us all,” Rennie said.

“This has been a thorough appointment process that included conversations with each of the former All Blacks Assistant Coaches.

“I want to acknowledge those men, who have all contributed so positively and professionally to this process and to the legacy of the All Blacks. They are each excellent coaches in their own right, who I know will go on to achieve further success in their careers.”

New Zealand Rugby Interim CEO, Steve Lancaster, said that it’s a difficult time for the previous assistants, who all acted professionally throughout the whole process.

“We acknowledge that this has been an uncertain period for people and that there are some difficult farewells as part of the process. I want to pay tribute to the service that Scott Hansen, Tamati Ellison and Bryn Evans have given to the black jersey.

“They have each made important contributions to the team and I know they have all got a lot more to give as world-class coaches. The way they have conducted themselves throughout is testament to the outstanding professionals and good people they all are.

“I also congratulate our new group of coaches, who bring a formidable combination of experience and mana. We are confident they will complement Dave’s leadership and we cannot wait to see them go to work with the 2026 All Blacks group.”