Dave Rennie Names All Blacks Assistant Coaches

WELLINGTON, New Zealand – New All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie has assembled his coaching staff, naming former captain Tana Umaga, Scotland international Mike Blair and Taranaki coach Neil Barnes as assistants, while retaining Jason Ryan from the previous regime. The announcement, made on Tuesday, signals a fresh start for the team following the dismissal of Scott Robertson in January after a disappointing season.

Umaga, who earned 74 caps as a player and previously coached the Blues and Toulon, will oversee defense. He currently leads Moana Pasifika in Super Rugby Pacific and plans to remain there until the end of the season before joining the All Blacks full time. "Just to be in the conversation to have a role with the All Blacks again is pretty big," Umaga said. "It's no small undertaking but it's a privilege and an honour. My heart is always with the All Blacks culture, representing the country I was born in, and the culture of my parents."

Blair, who played 85 Tests for Scotland and served as an assistant there, takes charge of attack. He currently assists Rennie at the Kobe Steelers in Japan Rugby League One and will complete the season before relocating to New Zealand,...