New Zealand Rugby appoints Jamie Joseph as All Blacks XV coach in sign that he remains in contention for top job
Tuesday, 30 September 2025
Joseph replaces Clayton McMillan in the role.
The All Blacks XV will play three games in November.
The All Blacks XV squad will be announced in two weeks’ time.
Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph will coach the All Blacks XV for the next two years in a move that shows he firmly remains in New Zealand Rugby’s thinking for the All Blacks job.
Joseph lost out to Scott Robertson prior to the Rugby World Cup but returned to New Zealand to take up a director of rugby role with the Highlanders.
He has since returned the head coaching role at the Highlanders and the All Blacks XV always looked like a logical next step despite the southerners struggles this year.
New Zealand Rugby’s head of professional rugby performance Chris Lendrum drew attention to Joseph’s experience and said he would be invaluable to the All Blacks XV.
“Jamie has coached and played at every level of the game and has a deep understanding, both as a player and coach, of what it takes to prepare players for international rugby and to win on the global stage,” Lendrum said in a statement.
“He’s a proven leader who knows how to get the best out of his players and build a strong team identity and culture.
“The All Blacks XV is a vital part of the men’s pathway, and we know Jamie will make his mark on the team and the programme.”
Joseph has made no secret of the fact that he still wants to coach the All Blacks and said he would relish the chance to coach again on the international stage with the All Blacks XV.
“It’s been great coming home to New Zealand after such a long time away, but being part of a team wearing a black jersey will always be special,” Joseph said in a statement.
“For the players selected it’s an opportunity to represent their country, themselves and their whānau on the world stage.
“My job is to create an environment that challenges the players and prepares them to win on the world stage and put their hands up for higher honours.
“It’s an exciting schedule that will put the group under pressure and expose them to different playing styles on big stages.”
The All Blacks XV side will play three games in November, with two already confirmed.
They will play the Barbarians in London on November 2 and England ‘A’ in Bath on November 9 (both NZ time).
A third game is yet to be confirmed on November 16, although The Post understands it is likely to be against Georgia.
Joseph replaces Clayton McMillan in the role and his assistants will be the existing coaching group of Jamie Mackintosh, David Hill and Cory Jane.
The All Blacks XV squad will be announced on October 14 and assemble on October 24 before heading to England.
Those players involved in the NPC final will assemble and travel following the final.
The All Blacks XV have already been used as a launching pad for players into the All Blacks, with Fabian Holland, Du’Plessis Kirifi and Simon Parker among those who have taken that route.
The All Blacks XV coaches will work alongside the All Blacks in terms of selection, but there is no doubt that the job gives Joseph the chance to put his own stamp on the side.
The Highlanders will also indirectly benefit from Joseph’s role, with players in New Zealand now under no illusion that the 55-year-old is one of the leading All Blacks candidates if Robertson is not reappointed after the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
“Jamie Joseph’s appointment as head coach of the All Blacks XV is a proud moment for the Highlanders,” said Highlanders chief executive Roger Clark in a statement.
“His legacy here speaks volumes about his leadership and vision.
“We know he’ll bring the same passion and excellence to the national setup, and we’re excited to see him shape the future of New Zealand rugby.”