New Zealand Rugby has appointed Dave Rennie as head coach of the All Blacks through to the 2027 Rugby World Cup, handing the experienced New Zealand coach one of the most scrutinised jobs in world sport.
Rennie, who is of Cook Islands descent through his mother from Titikaveka in Rarotonga, becomes the first All Blacks head coach with Pasifika heritage.
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New Zealand Rugby chair David Kirk said Rennie’s extensive coaching record made him the right candidate to lead the national team through the next World Cup cycle.
“On behalf of the Board, I’d like to congratulate Dave on his appointment as All Blacks Head Coach. He is a world class coach who has consistently shown he can build strong performance environments and win,” Kirk said.
“Dave understands what it means to coach the All Blacks and play a style of rugby that reflects who we are as New Zealanders. 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.”
Rennie said the opportunity to lead New Zealand’s national team was a career defining moment and one he does not take lightly.
“Coaching the All Blacks is an incredible honour. I’m extremely proud to have been entrusted with this role and understand the expectations that come with it,” Rennie said.
“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.”
Kirk added that the selection process had been the most comprehensive undertaken by New Zealand Rugby when appointing a national 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,” Kirk said.
“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 will remain with Japanese club Kobelco Kobe Steelers until the conclusion of the Japan Rugby League One season before returning to New Zealand to begin preparations for the All Blacks’ upcoming international schedule.
New Zealand are set to host France, Italy and Ireland during the July test window in what is expected to be Rennie’s first series in charge.
New Zealand Rugby said it will now work with Rennie to confirm the remainder of the All Blacks coaching and management staff, with further announcements expected in the coming weeks.
Rennie brings a wealth of experience to the role, having built a reputation as one of the most respected coaches in international rugby.
He guided the New Zealand Under 20 side to three consecutive Junior World Championship titles between 2008 and 2010 before achieving major success at Super Rugby level with the Chiefs, leading the Hamilton based franchise to back to back titles in 2012 and 2013.
Rennie later moved to Europe where he coached the Glasgow Warriors to the Pro14 final in 2019 before taking charge of Australia’s national team, serving as Wallabies head coach between 2020 and 2023.
At domestic level in New Zealand he has also coached the Wellington Lions and Manawatu Turbos in the National Provincial Championship.
Most recently Rennie has been coaching in Japan, where he has overseen the development of the Kobelco Kobe Steelers into contenders in Japan Rugby League One.
His appointment signals the start of a new era for the All Blacks as the three time world champions begin building toward the 2027 Rugby World Cup.