Newly appointed All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie has named his wider coaching ticket, with former Test star Tana Umaga the headline name in the four-man group.<\/p>\n
Umaga, who won 74 caps for the All Blacks during his playing career, has been heavily linked with a position in Rennie\u2019s staff since he was appointed as the Men\u2019s national team boss, and is joined by former Scotland international Mike Blair and Neil Barnes as the new faces in the coaches\u2019 box.<\/p>\n
Within the group, Barnes will serve as senior assistant coach, while Umaga will lead the defence and Blair the attack. Jason Ryan remains as forwards coach.<\/p>\n
Dave Rennie names wider All Blacks coaching staff<\/p>\n
Commenting on his selections, Rennie<\/a> said: \u201cThis is a very experienced and highly skilled coaching team. 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.<\/p>\n \u201cNeil 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,\u201d Rennie said.<\/p>\n New Zealand Rugby appoint ex-All Blacks coach to take over the reins at the Blues<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cThis has been a thorough appointment process that included conversations with each of the former All Blacks<\/a> 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.\u201d<\/p>\n Want more from Planet Rugby? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list<\/a> for world-class coverage you can trust.<\/p>\n Also commenting, New Zealand Rugby Interim CEO, Steve Lancaster, added: \u201cWe acknowledge that this has been an uncertain period for people and that there are some difficult farewells as part of the process. I want to pay tribute to the service that Scott Hansen, Tamati Ellison and Bryn Evans have given to the black jersey.<\/p>\n