All Blacks Coach: Interviews Underway, Decision Imminent

The search for the next All Blacks head coach is nearing its conclusion, with formal interviews scheduled this week and an announcement anticipated before the week’s end. The process, following the unexpected departure of Scott Robertson in January, has been described as a “secret squirrel” operation, according to rova, but is now entering its final stages.

A New Zealand Rugby delegation, including interim chief executive Steve Lancaster and former All Black Dane Coles, has already engaged in discussions with both Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph and former Wallabies coach Dave Rennie. Interviews are set to take place over the next couple of days, as reported by 1News.

Rennie’s current position with the Kobelco Kobe Steelers in Japan League One presents a unique logistical opportunity. The Steelers have a bye this weekend, potentially allowing Rennie to travel to New Zealand for a face-to-face meeting with the interview panel. Joseph, meanwhile, will be focused on his Highlanders team as they host the Force in Dunedin on Saturday afternoon.

Both Joseph and Rennie appear to be the frontrunners, fulfilling New Zealand Rugby’s criteria of being Kiwi coaches with international experience. The pair are thought to be the only individuals currently being interviewed for the role.

Joseph has remained reserved about his intentions, offering little public comment since Robertson’s dismissal. Should he be appointed, he would likely need to step down from his position with the Highlanders immediately.

Rennie’s situation is similar; accepting the All Blacks job would require him to conclude his final season with the Kobe Steelers prematurely. Notably, one of Rennie’s assistants at Kobe, Peter Murchie, has already announced his departure to join the Wales national team after the Japanese season concludes in June.

The impending announcement is expected to alleviate anxiety among All Blacks staff and assistant coaches, many of whom are uncertain about their future roles within the team. 1News reports that Joseph is believed to be more inclined to retain the current assistant coaching staff – Jason Ryan, Tamati Ellison, and Scott Hansen – than Rennie.

A potential complication for Joseph could be the availability of Tony Brown, his former right-hand man. Brown is currently contracted to the Springboks until after the 2027 World Cup, though reports suggest he may be open to returning to New Zealand should Joseph be appointed.

Beyond the coaching appointment, New Zealand Rugby faces significant logistical challenges. The All Blacks have a demanding eight-match tour of South Africa scheduled for August and September, including three Tests and an additional match against the Springboks in Baltimore. Planning for this tour, and the July home series against France, Italy, and Ireland in the inaugural Nations Championship – a series for which Robertson had already made significant progress – will be a priority for the new head coach.

The protracted coaching saga, following Robertson’s unexpected dismissal, has undoubtedly created uncertainty within the organization. New Zealand Rugby is determined to avoid repeating past mistakes and is taking a deliberate approach to ensure the right appointment. The announcement is expected to take place in Auckland to facilitate access for the national media.

The coaching search is just one of several key leadership positions New Zealand Rugby is currently filling. The organization is also seeking a new chief executive following Mark Robinson’s resignation last year, as well as a new head of high performance after the departures of Mike Anthony and Chris Lendrum. These concurrent searches underscore a period of significant change and restructuring within New Zealand Rugby.