NZ Rugby has confirmed who will be tasked to lead the All Blacks to the World Cup next year.
Dave Rennie will replace Scott Robertson, who was sacked midway through a four-year contract.
The former Wallabies and current Kobelco Kobe Steelers coach beat ex-Japan and current Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph to the job.
The 62-year-old Rennie takes over a team rocked by a scathing 2025 performance review and a rumoured player revolt against his predecessor.
“He is a world-class coach who has consistently shown he can build strong performance environments and win,” said NZ Rugby chairman David Kirk.
“Dave understands what it means to coach the All Blacks and play a style of rugby that reflects who we are as New Zealanders.”
RENNIE: All Blacks will be picked on form
Rennie led the Chiefs to Super Rugby titles in 2012 and 2013, his first two years in charge.
After leaving the Chiefs in 2017, he headed overseas, first to the Glasgow Warriors and then the Wallabies.
He was sacked before reaching the 2023 World Cup, replaced by Eddie Jones, and was most recently working in Japan club rugby.
“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 said.
“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.”
Former All Blacks coach Robertson was fired in January after leading the team to 20 wins in 27 matches – below powerhouse New Zealand’s expectations.
NZ Rugby said Rennie – who is of Cook Islands descent through his mother – would be the first All Blacks head coach with Pacific Islander heritage.
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Kirk said the search for a new coach had been the most thorough in the All Blacks’ history.
“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,” he said.
“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 World Cup.”
NZ Rugby said Rennie will honour his commitments with the Kobelco Kobe Steelers until the conclusion of the Japan Rugby League One competition.
He will return to New Zealand to prepare the All Blacks for their July home series against France, Italy and Ireland.
NZ Rugby said it would work with Rennie to confirm the wider All Blacks coaching and management team, with updates expected in the “coming weeks”.
He returns to Aotearoa!
Introducing your new All Blacks Head Coach, Dave Rennie
pic.twitter.com/KYCZ7MCcBX
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) March 3, 2026
– AFP
Photo: Phil Walter/Getty Images
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