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HSBC SVNS World Championship 2026
Valladolid

International

Tana Umaga on the All Blacks jersey: 'We've probably lost a bit of our shine'

Henry Lee

Published: 4 hours ago | 31 May 2026 16:57 America/Los_Angeles
Updated: 4 hours ago | 31 May 2026 16:59 America/Los_Angeles

Head coach Tana Umaga of Moana looks on during the round 11 Super Rugby match between Highlanders and Moana Pasifika at One NZ Stadium, on April 26, 2026, in Christchurch, New Zealand. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)

Moana Pasifika head coach and new All Blacks assistant Tana Umaga has provided insight into what he’ll be looking to add to Dave Rennie’s environment in 2026.

Umaga’s role at the Auckland-based franchise ended on Saturday evening after their victory in Canberra, allowing him to shift his focus to his new role with New Zealand Rugby.

Moana Pasifika finished at the bottom of the Super Rugby Pacific table in 2026, winning their first game of the season against the Fijian Drua and their final game of the season, against the ACT Brumbies in Canberra.

Their heartwarming 21-19 triumph over the Brumbies was a positive way to end the season, as players and coaches may head into new adventures and clubs around the world, while Umaga’s new role starts almost immediately.

The All Blacks’ first squad of 2026 will be named on June 22, giving Umaga, senior assistant Neil Barnes, forwards coach Jason Ryan, attack coach Mike Blair, and Rennie, the chance to select their squad for the three Nations Championship fixtures in July.

Sir Graham Henry was named as a selector early last month, bringing a range of experience and an outside set of eyes for Rennie and his coaching staff to use as a sounding board.

In an exclusive interview with former All Black centurion Mils Muliaina on The Breakdown, the new All Blacks defence coach was asked what success looks like in this specific environment.

VIDEO

“The ultimate goal was winning the World Cup, that’s why we’re here, but as we know, within New Zealand, we’re also expected to win every Test match,” Umaga said.

The 53-year-old, who was the first New Zealander of Pacific Island heritage to captain the All Blacks in a Test match, admits the side has maybe lost some of its “shine”.

“As a fan of the All Blacks, we’ve probably lost a bit of our shine. I want to start rubbing that jersey, bring the shine back to it.”

When asked about Rennie, Umaga describes how his coaching style makes players feel a part of the journey.

“As you said, Renz is huge, and every team that he has been a part of, from what I’ve heard, and what you’ve seen, how all of them talk around how great he is at making players feel like they’re part of this journey,” the defence coach said.

“They’re not just there on the ride, and so getting that engagement is important, understanding who you are and what you represent is important, but also making sure that you understand awareness is my time to leave a bit of yourself and part of that legacy.

“I think that’s important to me too, in terms of that culture, it’s always important in the end, you’ve got to get out there and play the game.”