All Blacks coach announcement live updates: Dave Rennie named as Scott Robertson’s replacement
Dave Rennie is the new All Blacks coach, following the departure of Scott Robertson in January.
Rennie, who is of Cook Islands descent through his mother (Titikaveka, Rarotonga), becomes the first All Blacks head coach with Pasifika heritage.
New Zealand Rugby (NZR) chair David Kirk said Rennie has a proven track record as a successful head coach.
“On behalf of the board, I’d like to congratulate Dave on his appointment as All Blacks head coach. He is a world-class coach who has consistently shown he can build strong performance environments and win.
“Dave understands what it means to coach the All Blacks and play a style of rugby that reflects who we are as New Zealanders. He has a deep understanding of rugby in New Zealand and the role the All Blacks play in shaping our national identity and bringing communities together.”
‘Clear on the way I want the All Blacks to play’
Rennie said it was a privilege to be appointed head coach of the All Blacks.
“Coaching the All Blacks is an incredible honour. I’m extremely proud to have been entrusted with this role and understand the expectations that come with it.
Thanks for tuning in
Vera Alves
Stay tuned to the Herald for further analysis across the afternoon about Dave Rennie's appointment as All Blacks coach.
Sports Minister Mark Mitchell reacts to Dave Rennie announcement
Ben Francis
Speaking to media on the black-and-white tiles of Parliament on his way into Question Time, Sport and Recreation Minister Mark Mitchell said the appointment of a new coach was "good".
"Big fan, I think he'll be outstanding," the MP remarked.
End of press conference
Ben Francis
Dave Rennie and David Kirk have finished the media conference.
How the Rennies responded to the news
Ben Francis
When asked about how his family responded to the news, Dave Rennie said they were proud of him.
"The wife was yawning because I woke her up.
"The boys are really proud, they knew I was coming home and when we were talking about potentially applying, my plan was to go home and spend a bit of time in Palmy, cut a bit of firewood and be unpaid assistant coach at Manawatū and I get to spend a lot of time with the kids and grandkids and so on.
"So they said, 'Oh look, don't turn down an opportunity to apply just for us because you're going to be back in New Zealand anyway, so I'll see a lot more of them.' so yeah, their support's been massive and it was nice to share that with them first."
Dave Rennie coy on eligibility laws
Ben Francis
Dave Rennie said he wasn't sure if he was allowed to speak on the issue of overseas eligibility yet, but spoke highly of some players he has seen in Japan.
"Obviously Richie's coming he's been in great form in Japan, certainly you have someone like Brodie Retallick coming into the environment.
"I reckon it'll really grow the whole group, he's done a phenomenal job around leadership at Kobe.
"I'm not sure how much you guys watch of that competition, but it's gone through the roof.
"There's a lot of experienced coaches up there, some of the best players in the world playing there and the quality is really strong.
"You see sides up there that'll beat Super Rugby teams in this competition. "So, yeah, so he's been phenomenal and if I had the chance to get him back, I'd certainly jump on it."
Dave Rennie excited for Springboks tour
Ben Francis
Rennie said he is "really excited" for the Greatest Rivalry tour against the Springboks.
"I'm really excited about that tour.
"Some people might think it's daunting, but we're going to get six weeks in Africa with 40-odd players.
"It's a massive opportunity for us to really drive culture, really get a lot of detail around our game model and come out of there 12 months away from a World Cup with genuine clarity and excitement.
"So yeah, really looking forward to that."
Dave Rennie proud to be the first All Blacks coach of Pasifika heritage
Ben Francis
Rennie said he is proud to be the first All Blacks head coach of Pasifika heritage.
"I suppose I hadn't thought about it, but I'm really proud of that fact.
"My Mum, like I mentioned this morning she's from a small village in Rarotonga, just a beautiful part of the world.
"She was a really great athlete as a kid. Left for New Zealand to make a bit of money for the family and met Dad and still spent a lot of time in Rarotonga.
"I'd go back for six months when it was a little bit cold in New Zealand. But she was hard-working, inspirational, and as I mentioned, she had a massive impact on me and my brothers and sisters.
"I know she'd be really proud. So yeah, I'm honoured to represent the Cook Islands."
Dave Rennie confident All Blacks can win World Cup
Ben Francis
The new All Blacks coach is confident he can win the next World Cup.
"It'll take a hell of a lot of work.
"By the time we start, we'll have about 15 months to the World Cup and well aware the way the draw works out in typical fashion in the World Cup, likely to meet South Africa in the quarter-finals.
"Get the athletes in the best possible position to execute and play well. It's a sprint from here."
Dave Rennie on All Blacks captaincy
Ben Francis
Rennie said he is keen to chat with captain Scott Barrett, but a decision on the captaincy isn't at the front of his mind right now.
Culture a big focus for Dave Rennie
Ben Francis
Rennie said he wanted to focus on legacy when it comes to the culture of the All Blacks.
"I want to dig down into the legacy. I think what I've done well in other parts of the world is I've done a lot of research and spoken to a lot of people to get a bit of clarity around the direction we need to head in there.
"So there's some fantastic people I can talk to and grow my understanding around like I said, I'm really clear on the type of game that we want to play.
"And the detail within that, the type of athlete we need and how we're going to make shifts.
"Probably not going to go into massive detail around what that is or the changes we want to make because I don't want to throw anyone in the previous regime under the bus.
"I've watched a lot of footy already. I've got some firm ideas around the shifts we can make that'll make us better."
International experience vital in Dave Rennie securing the role
Ben Francis
David Kirk would not say on what set Dave Rennie apart from Jamie Joseph, but complimented the new All Blacks head coach's international experience.
"His international experience, experience of tier one companies, coached in Europe, in Glasgow, coached tier one international team in Australia, coached in Japan, coached Wellington, Manawatū, Chiefs in New Zealand, so a lot of experience.
"He's able to deliver to us a very clear understanding of how and systematic way in which you build culture."
Changes to the current assistant coaches?
Ben Francis
Dave Rennie said he will work through bringing his assistants into the All Blacks set-up.
"I'm keen to bring some people in. But when a head coach leaves, it affects a lot of people.
"What I want to do is be able to sit down and talk to some of the affected people and then make some decisions over the next week or two."
Dave Rennie felt the thorough interview process was essential for the job
Ben Francis
"I was keen for them to come to Japan because I've been away for a long time and I think it's a chance to come in and see your environment, warts and all.
"My thinking would be that if this wasn't what they were looking for then they'd obviously move on to someone else.
"I thought the process was excellent. We went three-and-a-half hours yesterday with a presentation and questions.
"I planned to go out to dinner at six o'clock and I didn't realise it was half past five when we got out of the meeting. It was really thorough. But I thought the process has been excellent."
Dave Rennie has no regrets over time with Wallabies
Ben Francis
Speaking on his time in Australia with the Wallabies, Rennie said he didn't have any regrets about the experience.
"I've got a lot of strong relationships there, I learnt a lot from coaching at that level.
"It wasn't an ideal end and I obviously didn't get the chance to go to a World Cup, but I felt more probably about 13 or 14 players who would have gone to a World Cup with me who didn't get to go either.
"So yeah, I'm looking forward to the opportunity to go to one next year."
Ben Francis
Dave Rennie: It's his 'dream' job
Ben Francis
"I think when you're a kid, you dream of being an All Black, but wasn't good enough for that, so maybe the next best thing.
"It's a real honour. I'm a proud Kiwi and like I say, I spent a fair bit of time away from here and rapt to come home."
Dave Rennie "extremely proud and honoured"
Ben Francis
"I'm extremely proud and honoured," Rennie said.
"I'm well aware of the expectations and responsibility of the role I'm going to be in, but I'm really excited by it.
"I first told my family, I've got three sons or based in Palmy, although one of them flew to Japan to see me on Sunday and I left Monday.
"My wife's over in Japan as well, so I did the old group chat and spoke to them all at the same time, so that was pretty special. There's a lot of work to be done."
Jamie Joseph sends text to Dave Rennie after finding out
Ben Francis
Rennie said he and Joseph were both interviewed yesterday and he had received a message of congratulations from his rival for the new job.
"I really appreciate his message."
Coaching decision came "down to the wire"
Ben Francis
David Kirk confirmed Jamie Joseph was the other candidate "down to the wire" and took the news that he wouldn't be appointed "graciously".
"He is an excellent coach and someone who's doing great work in New Zealand rugby and we're looking forward to, we hope, having him in and around the New Zealand rugby environment."
How New Zealand Rugby came to Dave Rennie decision
Ben Francis
New Zealand Rugby chair David Kirk said five people were chosen to take on the selection job for the new All Blacks head coach.
The candidates were visited in "their own environment" and took part in lengthy interviews.
"There was a board meeting this morning of the New Zealand Rugby board, and there was unanimous endorsement of Dave Rennie as the next head coach of the All Blacks, which we're absolutely delighted with."
Press conference starts
Ben Francis
Dave Rennie and David Kirk are now fronting the media. You can watch it in the video above.
Rennie press conference at 2pm
Cameron McMillan
The new All Blacks coach will be front the media in about 30 minutes, so hang around as we'll have reporters on the ground with the latest from Rennie.
First up for Rennie
Cameron McMillan
Saturday July 4, All Blacks v France, One New Zealand Stadium, Christchurch, 7.10pm
Saturday July 11, All Blacks v Italy, Hnry Stadium, Wellington, 5.10pm
Saturday July 18, All Blacks v Ireland, Eden Park, Auckland, TBC
And then a little thing called Rugby's Great Rivalry.
Age of All Blacks coaches when first appointed
Cameron McMillan
Dave Rennie 62
Scott Robertson 48
Ian Foster 59
Sir Steve Hansen 52
Sir Graham Henry 57
John Mitchell 37
Sir Wayne Smith 43
Turbos scooped by All Blacks
Cameron McMillan
The Manawatū Rugby Union CEO Doug Tietjens told the Herald's Ben Francis that they were actually looking to get Dave Rennie to help out with the Turbos after the Japanese Top League season.
"He has a strong relationship with our current head coach Wesley Clark and we were talking about Rens potentially finishing up with Kobe, having a bit of time back here in the province," Tietjens said.
"He's got family here, he's still got a property here and so we were trying to see if we could secure him to help out in our environment and obviously that's not going to happen...he's spoken quite highly in this region with what he's done. Like six years in the province and one of the decisions to bring Wes into the head coaching role, he shaped so many good people and Wes obviously, speaks so highly of him as well.
"I know the whole region will be proud."
'Not just the man manager type of coach'
Cameron McMillan
The Manawatū Rugby Union CEO Doug Tietjens, who played under Dave Rennie, talked to the Herald's Ben Francis.
"From my perspective, I've been pretty fortunate, through my playing career and I had three coaches. So obviously the other runner in this race was Jamie Joseph. I had him when I was in the Highlanders. I've also had Colin Cooper.
"If I look at all three coaches, obviously, all of them have different strengths and different weaknesses, but I think the thing that I've taken out of Dave is from a culture perspective. He created a culture, for not necessarily what he wants, but for the region, for the playing group and for what's relevant.
"I've had a bit of time with Joe Schmidt and talking to him about his philosophy and coaching and I think, very similar [to Rennie] as in you know they like to get on the grass, like to do some coaching. He has so much knowledge in that space to share with the players. So it's not just the man manager type of coach. He also does likes to get out and do the technical-tactical."
Cameron McMillan
Captain call
Cameron McMillan
Too early to speculate who Dave Rennie's captain could be?
It will be his call whether to change the captain, with Scott Robertson having hand-picked Scott Barrett.
Rugby Direct reaction
Cameron McMillan
You can listen to the quick turnaround from the Rugby Direct team.
Rennie's record against the All Blacks
Cameron McMillan
Dave Rennie joins the short list of All Blacks coaches who have coached against the All Blacks.
Here's his record as Wallabies coach:
Drew 16-16, Wellington Stadium, 2020
Lost 27-7, Eden Park, 2020
Lost 43-5, Sydney, 2020
Won 24-22, Brisbane, 2020
Lost 33-25, Eden Park, 2021
Lost 57-22, Eden Park, 2021
Lost 38-21, Perth, 2021
Lost 39-37, Melbourne, 2022
Lost 40-14, Eden Park, 2022
'Right man for the job'
Cameron McMillan
Charlie Ngatai also played under Dave Rennie at the Chiefs. He told the Herald's Ben Francis what he'll bring to his role as All Blacks coach.
"He's a good man. Obviously he cares a lot about the players in the team and managed to bring two titles to the Chiefs.
"He loves his culture. He's a really proud man. I think just developing a good culture in the team. He really brought the Chiefs team together well.
"He knows so much about rugby, technically and tactically, so he's really sound in, in that way.
"He's coached over in Scotland, he's obviously coaching over in Japan, he's been in Australia, so he's been around and he's developed experiences in rugby in different areas of the world, and also he develops players as well.
"No doubt he'll be the right man for the job."
Former All Blacks and Chiefs loose forward Liam Messam
Cameron McMillan
Liam Messam played under Dave Rennie at the Chiefs. Speaking to the Herald's Ben Francis, Messam said the hiring of Rennie was "great news".
"It's awesome. It's great news for New Zealand Rugby and All Black[s] rugby to have a great leader like that lead the ship.
"A lot of experience, obviously, but he is a great man to bring in the culture and the connection. I know he'll be excited to represent the country and the players underneath him."
Cameron McMillan
Coaching team
Cameron McMillan
NZR says it will now work with Rennie to confirm the wider All Blacks coaching and management team, which will be confirmed in the coming weeks.
His current coaching staff in Kobe is two Scots, an Englishman and a South African.
More from Kirk
Cameron McMillan
David Kirk said he believed the appointment process had been the most thorough the organisation has undertaken for an All Blacks head coach.
“The All Blacks are set for a challenging and exciting two seasons ahead and it’s critical we followed a thorough process to find the right head coach. Dave has a clear direction for the team that gives us confidence the team will be well-positioned to perform as we head into the 2027 Rugby World Cup.”
From Upper Hutt Rugby Football Club to the All Blacks
Cameron McMillan
When Rennie starts
Cameron McMillan
Rennie will honour his commitments with the Kobelco Kobe Steelers in Japan until the conclusion of the Japan Rugby League One competition, before returning to New Zealand to prepare the All Blacks for the July home series against France, Italy and Ireland.
New Zealand Rugby will now work with Rennie to confirm the wider All Blacks coaching and management team. Updates will be provided in the coming weeks.
‘Clear on the way I want the All Blacks to play’
Cameron McMillan
“Coaching the All Blacks is an incredible honour. I’m extremely proud to have been entrusted with this role and understand the expectations that come with it," Rennie says.
“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.”
'World-class coach'
Cameron McMillan
New Zealand Rugby chair David Kirk said Rennie has a proven track record as a successful head coach.
“On behalf of the board, I’d like to congratulate Dave on his appointment as All Blacks head coach. He is a world-class coach who has consistently shown he can build strong performance environments and win.
“Dave understands what it means to coach the All Blacks and play a style of rugby that reflects who we are as New Zealanders. He has a deep understanding of rugby in New Zealand and the role the All Blacks play in shaping our national identity and bringing communities together.”
It's Dave Rennie
Cameron McMillan
Cameron McMillan
“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.”
Kirk said he believed the appointment process had been the most thorough the organisation has undertaken for an All Blacks head coach.
“The All Blacks are set for a challenging and exciting two seasons ahead and it’s critical we followed a thorough process to find the right head coach. Dave has a clear direction for the team that gives us confidence the team will be well-positioned to perform as we head into the 2027 Rugby World Cup.”
Rennie has coached grassroots club rugby, NPC, Super Rugby, Under-20s, European club rugby and the Wallabies – now he’ll take over their Bledisloe Cup rivals.
Rennie played more than 50 games for Wellington as a midfield back from 1986 through to 1991 but his coaching path began in 1999 at Upper Hutt Rugby Football Club. A year later, he replaced Graham Mourie as Wellington Lions coach, leading them to an NPC title beating Canterbury in the final.
He coached the New Zealand Under-20s to three straight World Championship titles and spent six seasons with Manawatū before taking on the head coaching role at the Chiefs. Rennie coached the Chiefs to back-to-back championships in his first two years in charge, and made the Super Rugby playoffs in every year of his reign.
In 2016, he announced he was leaving the Chiefs for a head coaching role with the Glasgow Warriors before he replaced Michael Cheika as Wallabies coach in 2020. In 2023, with a World Cup less than nine months away, Rugby Australia replaced Rennie with Eddie Jones. Rennie has since been coaching Japanese side Kobe Steelers.
Robertson stood down as All Blacks coach in mid-January, two years into what was supposed to be a four-year contract running through to the next Rugby World Cup.
Speculation about a likely replacement had quickly centred on Rennie and Jamie Joseph. The selection process was overseen by a five-man panel of former All Blacks hookers Dane Coles and Keven Mealamu, NZR chair Kirk (another former All Black), interim chief executive Steve Lancaster and high-performance expert Don Tricker.
Before interviewing the two candidates this week, panel members travelled to see Rennie coaching in Japan and Joseph at work with the Highlanders in Dunedin.
Robertson’s time in charge of the side was marked by a run of poor results against major nations, including a record defeat to the Springboks in Wellington last year. Defeat to England at Twickenham in November ended a rare shot at landing a Grand Slam tour.
While Robertson was in charge, assistant coaches Leon MacDonald and Jason Holland both stood down from their roles in the set up.
Robertson has since landed a temporary role coaching the Barbarians in a match against the Springboks. As reported by Gregor Paul in the Herald, as part of what was believed to be a circa $1 million termination settlement with New Zealand Rugby, Robertson has restrictions on where he can coach until the end of the year, and is understood to have agreed a 12-month restraint of trade from coaching top-tier nations.