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International

Tamati Ellison named new Maori All Blacks coach for Japan XV matchup

By Henry Lee

3 hours ago

Illinois , United States – 1 November 2025; Tamati Ellison of New Zealand before the Gallagher Cup match between Ireland and New Zealand at Soldier Field in Chicago, USA

There’s always a light at the end of the tunnel, and for former All Black assistant Tamati Ellison, his coaching career is set to continue in New Zealand, at least in the near future.

Ellison has been named the new Maori All Blacks head coach for 2026, for their fixture against Japan XV at Paloma Mizuho Stadium in Nagoya.

Ellison, who will become the new head coach for the Lipovitan D Challenge Cup, was previously a part of former All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson’s coaching group, before not being announced as one of the new assistants under Dave Rennie.

The former Crusaders assistant oversaw the All Blacks’ defence during his tenure with Robertson, transitioning from his original role as “skills coach” to the primary decision-maker for the defence.

When Robertson departed the role as All Blacks head coach in January, the future was unclear for all of his assistants, as they were all still under contract with New Zealand Rugby.

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Ellison was a former New Zealand Maori Co-Captain, and is a well respected coaching figure in Aotearoa.

Interim NZR CEO Steve Lancaster explained that it was crucial the organisation kept a coach like Ellison.

“As a former New Zealand Maori co-captain, Tamati is well-versed in the pride and legacy of this team and is the perfect person for the role. We are pleased to be retaining such a quality coach within our Teams in Black,” Lancaster said.

The former All Black is excited by the opportunity, saying he will give it his all.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to lead my people. This team means everything to our wh?nau, and I’ll give it my all.

Despite finding out he won’t be continuing with his current role within the All Blacks, Ellison congratulates the new coaching staff under Rennie.

“I’d also like to congratulate the new All Blacks coaching group and look forward to working with and supporting them in my new role.”

Comments

1 Comment

GS 1 hr ago

That’s a great move by NZ Rugby and I would love to see the other Assistants given roles like U20 or NZ Schoolboys coaches, or even other development roles within NZ rugby to keep them involved.

Just because they failed with the ABs, it does not mean that they are not quality coaches and who knows, in a couple of years and with more experience, maybe Tamiti E has what it takes to be an AB Coach?

So given these guys are on 4 year contracts, rather than them sitting at home, get them involved - means they keep their finger in the pie of coaching and thus, when opportunity arises they can jump ship, but also means that they can continue to add value within NZ.

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