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Running It Straight is back!'Stronger than ever': Rennie backs Retallick for shock All Blacks comeback
Stephen Foote •  March 4th, 2026 5:24 pm
Brodie Retallick | Photo: Photosport
New head coach Dave Rennie is paving the way for the return of one of the All Blacks' greatest.
Speaking to media at the press conference to announce his appointment to the role on Wednesday, Rennie was questioned on his stance regarding the ongoing issues of All Blacks eligibility for overseas-based players.
Admitting he wanted to ensure the best Kiwi players would be available for selection, he quickly steered conversation towards the topic of a potential return of the former World Rugby Player of the Year in a bid to win a second World Cup.
As his coach at the Kobelco Kobe Steelers, Rennie has had a front-row seat for the towering lock's outstanding play in the Japan Top League this season, where he's currently the competition's leading tryscorer.
If laws allowed, Rennie says he wouldn't hesitate to bring Retallick back into the fold on a mercenary mission in Australia next year.
"He's stronger than he's ever been. He's fitter than he's ever been," Rennie told the hoard of media.
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"I’m not sure if I’m allowed to [pick him] yet. There’s no doubt, we want to win the World Cup, ideally you have your best players available."
"You have someone like Brodie Retallick coming into the environment, I reckon. It would really grow the whole group."
The 109-Test veteran hasn't played for the All Blacks since the 2023 World Cup, after which he took up a three-year contract to play under Rennie in Kobe.
Rennie hinted the Japan competition is somewhat under-rated globally, and Retallick's stand-out play shouldn't be underestimated in regards to the level at which he's still capable of operating.
"He's done a phenomenal job around leadership at Kobe.Â
"That competition has gone through the roof. A lot of experienced coaches there and some of the best players in the world playing there… there are sides up there that would beat Super Rugby teams."
"If I had the chance to get him back I'd certainly jump at it."
NZ Rugby has been firm in its stance that players must be based in New Zealand to qualify to represent the All Blacks, which Rennie's predecessor Scott Robertson had been vocal about the need to revisit.
Richie Mo'unga will return from Japan to rejoin the All Blacks fold later this year, a move Rennie appaluds.
“Obviously Richie is coming back, which is good because he’s been in great form in Japan."
