New Zealand appoint 'world-class' Dave Rennie as head coach ahead of 2027 Rugby World Cup - 'An incredible honour'
By Ben Southby
Published 04/03/2026 at 08:32 GMT
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New Zealand have chosen Dave Rennie to take them to the 2027 Rugby World Cup, as the All Blacks chase their fourth crown, and an end to their 16-year wait for the trophy. New Zealand chair David Kirk has described Rennie as "a world-class coach" who "has a clear direction for the team" ahead of next year's tournament. Rennie has called his appointment "an incredible honour".
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Dave Rennie has been appointed head coach of New Zealand ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
The former Australia boss - who was born in New Zealand but represented Cook Islands at national level - called it an "incredible honour" to be appointed coach of the All Blacks.
The three-time world champions last got their hands on the trophy in 2011, and Rennie has been tasked with winning a fourth crown.
"Coaching the All Blacks is an incredible honour," he said in a New Zealand statement. "I’m extremely proud to have been entrusted with this role and understand the expectations that come with it.
"I’m really clear on the way I want the All Blacks to play and I look forward to working with the players, management team, and the rugby community.
"We have a lot of talent here and we will be working extremely hard to make the country proud."
New Zealand chair David Kirk labelled Rennie a "world-class" coach, noting that the 62-year-old has built an extensive resume since retiring from playing in 1991 due to a shoulder injury.
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He represented Wellington as a player from 1986 to 1991, before guiding the team to the next NPC title in 2000 - 14 years after they last won it with Rennie in the squad.
That was the first major success that kick-started his coaching career, which also saw him take charge of Manawatu, the Super Rugby team Chiefs, and Glasgow Warriors in Scotland.
On the international front, Rennie led New Zealand U20s to three successive Junior World Championship titles, while he also managed the Wallabies between 2020 and 2023.
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His last job before taking over at the All Blacks was with the Kobe Steelers in Japan.
"On behalf of the Board, I’d like to congratulate Dave on his appointment as All Blacks head coach," Kirk said in the statement released on Wednesday.
"He is a world-class coach who has consistently shown he can build strong performance environments and win.
"Dave understands what it means to coach the All Blacks and play a style of rugby that reflects who we are as New Zealanders.
"He has a deep understanding of rugby in New Zealand and the role the All Blacks play in shaping our national identity and bringing communities together."
Kirk added: "The All Blacks are set for a challenging and exciting two seasons ahead and it’s critical we followed a thorough process to find the right head coach.
"Dave has a clear direction for the team that gives us confidence the team will be well-positioned to perform as we head into the 2027 Rugby World Cup."
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