dave rennie has been appointed All Blacks Head Coach by New Zealand Rugby, ending the search for the next leader of the national side. The appointment follows a review of coaching options and a decision by the NZR board, which says Rennie offers a clear direction for the team. He will finish his commitments in Japan before returning to prepare the All Blacks for a July home series.
Dave Rennie: Reaction from New Zealand Rugby
NZR Chair David Kirk said, “He is a world-class coach who has consistently shown he can build strong performance environments and win. ” Kirk added the appointment process had been the most thorough the organisation has undertaken for an All Blacks Head Coach and that Rennie has a clear direction that gives confidence as the team heads into the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Rennie himself said, “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. “
What this appointment changes now
The most immediate change is leadership: dave rennie replaces Scott Robertson, who was sacked midway through a four-year contract and was fired in January. NZR confirmed Rennie has signed a deal through to the end of the 2027 Rugby World Cup cycle and will work with the union to confirm a wider coaching and management group. As All Blacks Head Coach, dave rennie will honour his current commitments with the Kobelco Kobe Steelers in Japan until the conclusion of the Japan Rugby League One competition, then return to New Zealand to prepare the squad for the July home series against France, Italy and Ireland.
Immediate reactions from the coach and the record he brings
Rennie framed the role as both an honour and a challenge: “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. ” The appointment highlights Rennie’s track record cited by NZR: he led New Zealand Under-20s to three consecutive Junior World Championships, coached the Chiefs to back-to-back Super Rugby titles in 2012 and 2013, took Glasgow Warriors to a Pro14 Final, delivered domestically with Wellington Lions and Manawatu Turbos, was Head Coach of the Wallabies between 2020 and 2023, and has most recently worked with the Kobelco Kobe Steelers as they became title contenders in Japan Rugby League One.
Next steps and what to watch
NZR will work with dave rennie to confirm the wider All Blacks coaching and management team, with updates promised in the coming weeks. The timeline set by the union has Rennie finishing the Japan Rugby League One season and returning in time to prepare the All Blacks for the July home series against France, Italy and Ireland. The union has framed the period through to the 2027 Rugby World Cup as both challenging and exciting, placing emphasis on building a performance environment that can meet New Zealand’s expectations on the global stage.
Stakeholders and fans should expect announcements on Rennie’s backroom staff and an early outline of his playing style and selection approach as the new regime settles in. For now, the clear facts are that dave rennie is the appointed Head Coach, will complete his club commitments in Japan, and will lead the All Blacks through the next World Cup cycle.
