Julian Savea has landed his first senior head coaching role after being appointed as the new coach of Mahurangi Rugby Club.
The 35-year-old, who is currently playing NPC rugby for the Wellington Lions, will officially take charge of the North Harbour premier club once the provincial season concludes in October.
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Savea’s appointment comes through a connection with former Moana Pasifika team manager Peter White. The pair worked together during Savea’s time at Moana Pasifika, with White knowing the All Blacks legend was eager to begin the next chapter of his rugby career.
White, whose grandchildren play for Mahurangi, introduced Savea to club chairperson Patrick Sullivan, leading to discussions that quickly developed into an agreement.
Speaking about the move, Savea admitted coaching had long been an ambition.
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“I’m just stepping out of my comfort zone. I’ve always wanted to be a coach,” Savea said.
“Pete said there was an opportunity at Mahurangi, so I caught up with Sully and talked about the possibilities. I feel like I’ve got so much to give and a philosophy that I would love to express through a team.”
The All Blacks great, who scored 45 Test tries during his international career and was once famously described by former New Zealand coach Steve Hansen as being “better than Jonah Lomu”, wants his teams to play with greater freedom.
“A little bit of freestyling, a little bit of structure, but making sure we don’t lose the core values of the club.”
White believes Savea’s coaching potential has already been evident behind the scenes.
Despite an injury restricting him to just six minutes of Super Rugby action this season, Savea remained heavily involved in Moana Pasifika’s preparations, helping coaches analyse opposition teams and develop game plans.
White will also join Mahurangi as team manager, bringing decades of experience that includes roles with the All Blacks and Moana Pasifika.
The appointment marks the beginning of what many will expect to be a promising coaching career for one of New Zealand rugby’s greatest finishers.
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All Blacks Handed NIGHTMARE Route to 2027 Rugby World Cup Final
he All Blacks have been handed a potentially brutal route to the 2027 Rugby World Cup final after being drawn alongside hosts Australia in one of the tournament’s toughest pools.
With the competition expanding to 24 teams and introducing a Round of 16 for the first time, New Zealand can already map out their possible path to the Webb Ellis Cup — and it is packed with danger.
Pool A: A Trans-Tasman Showdown
New Zealand have been drawn in Pool A with Australia, creating one of the marquee clashes of the group stage. The All Blacks and Wallabies are expected to battle for top spot, with the pool winner earning a potentially more favourable route through the knockout stages.
Under the tournament format, the top two teams from each pool automatically qualify for the Round of 16, while the four best third-placed teams across all pools also advance.
For New Zealand, the objective will be simple: finish first in Pool A.
Round of 16: A Third-Placed Opponent Awaits
If the All Blacks top Pool A, they will face one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams in the Round of 16.
Based on the draw, that opponent would come from Pools C, E or F. Possible challengers could include:
Samoa, USA or Japan (Pool E)
Wales or Tonga (Pool F)
One of the emerging contenders from Pool C
On paper, this should represent a manageable first knockout assignment for New Zealand.
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