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Rennie confirms All Blacks coaching staff through to 2027 World Cup
Sport Nation • March 24th, 2026 10:11 am
Neil Barnes | Photo: Photosport
New All Blacks coach Dave Rennie has unveiled his coaching group, describing it as a “highly skilled” unit built to drive success at international level.
Current Taranaki head coach Neil Barnes will step in as Senior Assistant, adding his lineout knowledge to the setup.
Jason Ryan remains in charge of the forwards, continuing his work around the scrum and maul.
Former All Black captain Tana Umaga will take over the defence portfolio once his commitments with Moana Pasifika are complete, while attack duties will be led by Mike Blair, who will join from Kobelco Kobe Steelers following the conclusion of the Japan Rugby League One season, pending visa approval.
Why Neil Barnes is the perfect fit alongside Dave Rennie at the All Blacks | The Rugby Run
Rennie said the group offers a strong balance of leadership, innovation and experience.
“Neil provides outstanding leadership and strategic support; Jase has proven himself as one of the best forwards coaches in the game; Tana brings immense mana and defensive insight; and Mike will bring his innovative approach and attention to detail to our attack,” he said.
Barnes - who will leave his current head coaching position with Taranaki - has worked previously with Dave Rennie as assistant coach for the Chiefs and has strong international coaching experience as forwards coach for Italy, Canada and Fiji, including three Rugby World Cup campaigns.
"To say I’m proud to be included in an All Blacks coaching team, would be an understatement," said Barnes.
"I am really excited about the challenge and very motivated to make a difference. I’m under no illusions at the size of the challenge, and the responsibly and pressure that comes with it.
"Along with the buzz of making it to All Blacks level, comes a level of sadness that I can’t carry on coaching the Taranaki Bulls and trying every day to make our province proud.
Moana Pasifika head coach Tana Umaga | Photo: Brett Phibbs/Photosport
"I consider myself very fortunate to have been allowed the privilege of coaching our province over this period, a task I’ve given my all to, and hopefully leaving in a position of strength.”
Former Counties Manukau head coach Umaga called his appointment "a privilege and an honour".
“My heart is always with culture – the All Black culture, representing the country I was born in and the culture of my parents, the heritage and the blood that runs through me," he said.
"I have deep connections to both of those so it would have to be something that I am really connected to for me to move on [from Moana Pasifika]. In terms of these two teams – they mean a lot to me, both of them. They are part of me."
The appointment process included discussions with former All Blacks assistants, with Rennie acknowledging their contribution to both the process and the team’s legacy.
New Zealand Rugby interim CEO Steve Lancaster also paid tribute to departing coaches Scott Hansen, Tamati Ellison and Bryn Evans, thanking them for their service and professionalism during the transition.
Lancaster said the new group brings a “formidable combination of experience and mana” and backed them to complement Rennie’s leadership as the All Blacks build towards the 2026 campaign.
Ellison will move on to join the Māori All Blacks as head coach, Lancaster also confirmed, with the team scheduled to face Japan XV in Nagoya in June.
Why Tana Umaga is the perfect fit under Dave Rennie with the All Blacks | Scotty & Izzy
