'Incredible honour': Dave Rennie announced as new All Blacks Head Coach

The All Blacks' new coach has just been appointed.

New Zealand Rugby (NZR) has today revealed Dave Rennie is taking on the role as All Blacks Head Coach through to the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

Rennie also makes history, becoming the first All Blacks coach of Pasifika heritage, with roots in Titikaveka, Rarotonga through his mum.

NZR Chair David Kirk said Rennie has a proven track record as a successful head coach.

“On behalf of the Board, I’d like to congratulate Dave on his appointment as All Blacks Head Coach, he began.

He is a world-class coach who has consistently shown he can build strong performance environments and win

Kirk adds: “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 calls it "a privilege" to be appointed the role.

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.

“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 said he believed the appointment process had been the most thorough the organisation has undertaken for an All Blacks Head 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. 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 first rose to prominence by leading Wellington to the National Provincial Championship title in 2000; the Lions first since 1986.

He then led New Zealand to three consecutive World Rugby Under 20 Championship titles in 2008, 2009 and 2010 and in 2012 was appointed coach of the Chiefs. He later helped guide the Hamilton based Super Rugby franchise to a title in his first year and then repeated the feat in 2013.

The All Blacks job is Dave Rennie’s second senior international head coaching appointment, having coached trans-tasman rivals the Wallabies from November 2019 until January 2023, when he was replaced by Eddie Jones.

As All Blacks Head Coach, Rennie will honour his commitments with the Kobelco Kobe Steelers in Japan until the conclusion of the Japan Rugby League One competition, before returning to New Zealand to prepare the All Blacks for the July home series against France, Italy and Ireland.

Kobe are currently second on the table with a squad that features current All Blacks Ardie Savea and Anton Leinert-Brown, both of whom are on sabbaticals as part of their contracts with New Zealand Rugby.

NZR will now work with Rennie to confirm the wider All Blacks coaching and management team. Updates will be provided in the coming weeks.