NZR Appoints Dave Rennie as All Blacks Head Coach Through to 2027

New Zealand Rugby (NZR) has ended months of speculation by appointing Dave Rennie as the new All Blacks Head Coach.

The landmark agreement will see the former Wallabies and Chiefs mentor lead the national side through to the conclusion of the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

Rennie makes history as the first All Blacks head coach of Pasifika heritage, a significant cultural milestone for an organisation inextricably linked to New Zealand’s national identity. The appointment follows what NZR chair David Kirk described as the most thorough recruitment process in the governing body’s history.

Commenting on the appointment,NZR chair, Kirk, said: “Dave is a world-class coach who has consistently shown he can build strong performance environments and win.”

“He has a deep understanding of rugby in New Zealand and the role the All Blacks play in shaping our national identity and bringing communities together,” Kirk said.

Commenting on his appointement, Rennie, noted: “Coaching the All Blacks is an incredible honour.”

“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 will be working extremely hard to make the country proud,” Rennie said.

Rennie’s coaching resume is among the most decorated in the modern era. He famously led the Chiefs to back-to-back Super Rugby titles in 2012 and 2013 and secured a hat-trick of Junior World Championships with the New Zealand Under-20s. His international experience includes a three-year stint with the Wallabies and recent success in Japan’s League One.

Commercial and Tactical Continuity

The appointment is a strategic move by NZR to restore stability following a period of transition. Rennie will remain with the Kobelco Kobe Steelers in Japan until the conclusion of their current season before returning to New Zealand to take the reins ahead of the high-profile July home series against France, Italy, and Ireland.

NZR is expected to announce the wider coaching and management staff in the coming weeks. 

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