Racing
League
Rugby
Cricket
Golf
Olympics
Football
Netball
Motorsport
Combat Sports
Basketball
Other Sports
Sport Nation
Full Noise by SN
Running It Straight is back!Dave Rennie confirmed as new All Blacks head coach
Sport Nation • March 4th, 2026 11:49 am
Photo: Joel Carrett/AAP
Dave Rennie is the new All Blacks head coach.
On Wednesday, NZ Rugby ended weeks of speculation by confirming Rennie would take the helm vacated by Scott Robertson's axing in early January through until the end of the 2027 World Cup in Australia.
The former Australia and Chiefs coach earned the nod ahead of Jamie Joseph, who entered the contest widely considered he early favourite.
He will see out the remainder of his term with Japan's Kobelco Kobe Steelers, before returning to New Zealand to prepare the All Blacks for the July home series against France, Italy and Ireland.
NZR adds it will work with Rennie to confirm the wider All coaching and management team, with updates to follow in the coming weeks.
Rennie said it was a privilege to be appointed to the role.
"Coaching the All Blacks is an incredible honour," said Rennie.
"I’m extremely proud to have been entrusted with this role and understand the expectations that come with it.
“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.”
Interim NZR CEO David Kirk said he believed the appointment process had been the most thorough the organisation has undertaken for an All Blacks head coach.
“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.
"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 Rugby World Cup.”
Rennie brings a wealth of experience and proven success across New Zealand and the international game.
He first rose to prominence by guiding New Zealand’s Under-20 side to three consecutive Junior World Championship titles from 2008 to 2010, before cementing his reputation at Super Rugby level with the Chiefs, leading them to back-to-back titles in 2012 and 2013.
Rennie later took the Glasgow Warriors to the Pro14 Final in 2019 and has also enjoyed strong domestic campaigns in the National Provincial Championship with the Wellington Lions and Manawatū Turbos.
At Test level, he served as head coach of the Wallabies from 2020 to 2023. Most recently, Rennie has overseen the rise of the Kobelco Kobe Steelers, turning the Japanese club into genuine title contenders in Japan Rugby League One.
Lashes' Davie Rennie Pigeon report | Millsy & Guy
