Dave Rennie named new All Blacks head coach

New Zealand Rugby has confirmed Dave Rennie as the new head coach of the All Blacks following Scott Robertson’s decision to step down earlier this year.

Dave Rennie Named New All Blacks Head Coach

Rennie will take charge of the All Blacks as the national team prepares for the 2027 Rugby World Cup cycle. The 62-year-old replaces Scott Robertson after a recruitment process that considered several candidates, including Jamie Joseph.

Rennie has been given a contract through to the next Rugby World Cup in Australia. However, he will complete his current coaching commitments with Japan’s Kobe Steelers before officially beginning preparations with New Zealand for upcoming international fixtures.

Scott Robertson Exit Triggers Coaching Change

Robertson stepped down from the position midway through his contract after a review of the team’s performances during the previous season. While the All Blacks won 10 of their 13 Tests, defeats against South Africa, Argentina and England raised concerns about consistency.

Rennie Brings Extensive International Experience

Rennie arrives with significant experience across international and club rugby. He previously coached New Zealand’s Under-20 side to three junior world titles between 2008 and 2010 and later guided the Chiefs to back-to-back Super Rugby titles in 2012 and 2013.

He also held coaching roles with the Glasgow Warriors and the Australian national team, overseeing 34 Tests as Wallabies head coach between 2019 and 2023.

"I'm 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," he added.

"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."