Phil Healey joins the coaching group as head of performance, replacing Nic Gill, who has taken a job with NFL team the Baltimore Ravens. He has gained international experience working with Rennie at the Glasgow Warriors from 2017-2018, the Georgia national team for the 2019 Rugby World Cup, was part of the All Blacks XV management in 2022 and is currently the director of athletic performance at the Kobelco Kobe Steelers in Japan.
Tana Umaga, Neil Barnes, Mike Blair and Jason Ryan have all been named as All Blacks assistant coaches. Photos / Photosport
There’s no room for Scott Hansen – he’s been replaced by Blair. Tamati Ellison also exits – but has been moved into head coach of the Māori All Blacks for their games in June against Japan.
“This is a very experienced and highly skilled coaching team,” Rennie said. “Each of these men has a track record of getting the best out of the players and teams they coach, and they are each hugely motivated to get stuck in and deliver the same success with the All Blacks.
“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. I know this group will challenge and support both me and our players to bring the best out of us all.
“This has been a thorough appointment process that included conversations with each of the former All Blacks Assistant Coaches. I want to acknowledge those men who have all contributed so positively and professionally to this process and to the legacy of the All Blacks. They are each excellent coaches in their own right, who I know will go on to achieve further success in their careers.”
‘A privilege and an honour’
Umaga retired from the All Blacks 20 years ago as the first captain of Pacific heritage. He said joining the coaching group was a proud moment.
“Just to be in the conversation – to have a role with the All Blacks again is pretty big,” said Umaga. “It’s no small undertaking but it’s a privilege and an honour.
“My heart is always with culture – the All Blacks culture, representing the country I was born in, and the culture of my parents – the heritage and the blood that runs through me. 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].
Tana Umaga: ‘It’s no small undertaking but it’s a privilege and an honour.’ Photo / Photosport
“In terms of these two teams – they mean a lot to me, both of them. They are part of me.
“I’ve got to make sure that I do well with Moana Pasifika and respect the time that I’ve got here. I’ll apply the same things I learned when I was an All Black in terms of ‘am I going to leave Moana in a better place?’
“So I’m here until the end of the season and we’ve still got things we want to achieve before then.”
