Wallabies legend Stephen Larkham has rejected any speculation linking him with a move across the Tasman to join the All Blacks’ coaching staff.
While New Zealand Rugby continues its search for Scott Robertson’s successor with Dave Rennie and Jamie Joseph widely understood to be the front-runners, speculation has ramped up over who will assist the new All Blacks head coach.
Scott Hansen, Jason Ryan, Tamati Ellison, and Bryn Evans all remain on NZ Rugby’s payroll but chair David Kirk has confirmed that the new boss will be allowed to hire his own assistants.
Larkham rubbishes All Blacks links
Despite stating as much, rumours stated that NZ Rugby were lining Larkham up to lead the All Blacks’ attack. Jason Holland looked after that facet of the game under Robertson, but opted not to extend his contract that expired last year and has since returned to the Hurricanes.
However, his return to Wellington could be short-lived with the Blues reportedly shortlisting him along with Ian Foster to replace Vern Cotter as the Auckland-based side’s head coach, as he is joining the Queensland Reds next season.
Meanwhile, the rumours of Larkham heading to Aotearoa have only intensified after the Brumbies thrashed the Crusaders 50-24 in Christchurch to top the league table after two rounds.
The Wallabies great was asked about the links with the All Blacks in the build-up to the Brumbies’ clash with the Blues this weekend and was quick to swat off the rumours.
“This is home for me,” the 51-year-old said of Canberra.
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“This is something I’m very passionate about. And there are ongoing discussions [with the Brumbies].”
Larkham’s current contract expires at the end of the current season, and he is clearly eager to stick around in ACT, as he is not entertaining any talk of a move.
As for Holland, he is bound to be linked with a return to his former club Munster following the news that Mike Prendergast will depart the province at the end of the 2025/26 season.
Prendergast is reportedly set to join Johann van Graan at Bath next season, with the PREM Rugby club recruiting a replacement for Lee Blackett, who has joined Steve Borthwick’s England coaching team.
New Zealand hire U20s and schools coaches
Meanwhile, New Zealand Rugby has hired a head coach to take charge of both the New Zealand U20s and NZ Schools teams.
Highlanders assistant coach and talent ID manager Kane Jury has been added to the position in a full-time capacity on a two-year deal.
“I feel it’s a good start but I really want to be in this role for a long time,” Jury told The Post.
“I feel that’s the consistency that’s needed around the connection and the alignment and that’s my experience with the Highlanders as well.
“It’s taken five years to grow a pretty awesome young group that we can see on the field now, and I do want to be in this role for a long time.”
Jury will be replaced by Otago assistant coach Ryan Bambry at the Highlanders.
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