The All Blacks are poised for a dynamic transformation under newly appointed head coach Dave Rennie, who brings a fresh vision following a significant decision by New Zealand Rugby. The shake-up starts with Rennie's ambitious wishlist for his coaching staff as the team gears up for the upcoming Rugby World Cup. This wishlist is crucial as it follows the exits of previous staff members during Scott Robertson’s era.
Rennie's wishlist includes some high-profile names, promising a stark contrast to the approach of Jamie Joseph, who would have maintained the existing coaching lineup had his plan to bring in top-tier coaches not fallen through. Joseph's attempted recruits included Joe Schmidt, Ian Foster, Tony Brown, and Kendrick Lynn—all of whom declined, leaving Joseph likely to retain Robertson's assistants.
At the forefront of Rennie's desired additions is Neil Barnes, known for his straightforward and sometimes abrasive coaching style, evident during his stint with Italy captured in the Netflix documentary "Six Nations: Full Contact." Barnes, a former assistant to Kieran Crowley and an experienced figure in international rugby, is top of Rennie’s list.
"Neil has the kind of robust approach that could really shake things up for us," Rennie remarked about his potential recruit.
Also on the wishlist is Phil Healey for the role of strength and conditioning coach, a position recently vacated by Nic Gill. Healey has previously worked with Rennie at various clubs including the Chiefs and Glasgow Warriors.
The influence of Rennie’s international experience is also evident in his interest in Mike Blair, a former scrum-half and Scotland assistant coach, and Andrew Strawbridge, a skills coach known for his confrontational style, which, as reported, "doesn’t gel with everyone."
While some of Robertson’s assistants might stay, notably Jason Ryan who has received positive reviews and is contracted through the next World Cup, the future of others like Scott Hansen remains uncertain amidst potential restructuring.
Sir John Kirwan has openly supported Ryan, stating,
"Jason came through the review process positively and is a crucial element for our forward play moving forward."
This endorsement might influence the final composition of Rennie’s coaching team as they prepare to usher in a new era for the All Blacks.
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The All Blacks are poised for a dynamic transformation under newly appointed head coach Dave Rennie, who brings a fresh vision following a significant decision by New Zealand Rugby. The shake-up starts with Rennie's ambitious wishlist for his coaching staff as the team gears up for the upcoming Rugby World Cup. This wishlist is crucial as it follows the exits of previous staff members during Scott Robertson’s era.
Rennie's wishlist includes some high-profile names, promising a stark contrast to the approach of Jamie Joseph, who would have maintained the existing coaching lineup had his plan to bring in top-tier coaches not fallen through. Joseph's attempted recruits included Joe Schmidt, Ian Foster, Tony Brown, and Kendrick Lynn—all of whom declined, leaving Joseph likely to retain Robertson's assistants.
At the forefront of Rennie's desired additions is Neil Barnes, known for his straightforward and sometimes abrasive coaching style, evident during his stint with Italy captured in the Netflix documentary "Six Nations: Full Contact." Barnes, a former assistant to Kieran Crowley and an experienced figure in international rugby, is top of Rennie’s list.
"Neil has the kind of robust approach that could really shake things up for us," Rennie remarked about his potential recruit.
Also on the wishlist is Phil Healey for the role of strength and conditioning coach, a position recently vacated by Nic Gill. Healey has previously worked with Rennie at various clubs including the Chiefs and Glasgow Warriors.
The influence of Rennie’s international experience is also evident in his interest in Mike Blair, a former scrum-half and Scotland assistant coach, and Andrew Strawbridge, a skills coach known for his confrontational style, which, as reported, "doesn’t gel with everyone."
While some of Robertson’s assistants might stay, notably Jason Ryan who has received positive reviews and is contracted through the next World Cup, the future of others like Scott Hansen remains uncertain amidst potential restructuring.
Sir John Kirwan has openly supported Ryan, stating,
"Jason came through the review process positively and is a crucial element for our forward play moving forward."
This endorsement might influence the final composition of Rennie’s coaching team as they prepare to usher in a new era for the All Blacks.