NZ rugby coach hunt: All Blacks coaching race heats up

Who'll lead the All Blacks? Top contenders Rennie, Joseph & Hansen

New Zealand Rugby is looking for a new All Blacks coach after Scott Robertson's sacking, and they've got a tough job ahead of them. The five-person panel, led by David Kirk, is focusing on coaches with international experience, and here are some of the top contenders.

Joseph's coaching prowess extends beyond the Highlanders; he also guided Japan to their first-ever Rugby World Cup...

Top Candidates

Jamie Joseph: The Highlanders coach is considered a front-runner, with experience coaching Japan and a strong track record in New Zealand.

Dave Rennie: Former Wallabies coach Rennie is another strong contender, with experience coaching in Australia and Japan.

Vern Cotter: The Blues coach has international experience, having led Scotland and Fiji, but is reportedly ruled out due to his new role with the Queensland Reds.

Steve Hansen: The former All Blacks coach is a respected figure, and there's speculation he could return in an overarching role.

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The panel will shortlist and interview candidates before making a final decision, with the new coach expected to be announced by the end of March.

Dave Rennie's Strong Credentials

Dave Rennie, 62, has a proven track record in New Zealand rugby, coaching Manawatu from 2006-2011 and leading Waikato Chiefs to Super Rugby titles in 2012-2013. He also guided New Zealand U20 to three successive world titles from 2008, giving him insight into NZR's inner workings. Rennie's experience coaching Australia (Wallabies) and Japan adds to his credentials.

Rennie left the Chiefs in 2017 and went overseas, coaching Glasgow Warriors, Australia (Wallabies), and Japan club rugby. He was sacked as Wallabies coach before the 2023 World Cup, replaced by Eddie Jones. 

Rennie's Strong Backing from NZR Insiders

Coaches within NZR are reportedly backing Dave Rennie, praising his work with the Wallabies despite a weak player pool. Rennie's hands-on coaching style, ability to work with young players, and international experience make him a top contender.

Joseph's six-year stint included three years as Māori All Blacks coach, leading to a Japan coaching role (2016-2023). He returned to NZ in 2024, coaching Highlanders and taking over as All Blacks XV coach in 2025.

Jamie Joseph, 56, is a Kiwi rugby legend who led the Highlanders to their first-ever Super Rugby title in 2015. His team's counter-attacking style, clever kicking, and smart territory play, spearheaded by Lima Sopoaga, caught opponents off guard and secured the championship.

Joseph's coaching prowess extends beyond the Highlanders; he also guided Japan to their first-ever Rugby World Cup quarterfinal appearance in 2019. His ability to turn underdog teams into contenders has earned him recognition as one of the most astute coaching minds in rugby.

The coaching race is reportedly down to Rennie and Joseph, with their international experience and NZR work making them top contenders. Joseph's recent work with NZR (Highlanders, 2024) could give him an edge.

Hansen and Henry in the Mix

Steve Hansen and Graham Henry emerged as possible stop-gap coaches for the All Blacks after Scott Robertson's sacking, given their World Cup-winning credentials. 

Hansen's name keeps popping up, and he might be more than just a stop-gap option. He led the All Blacks to a dominant 2015 World Cup win and has been touted for a return in an overarching role, possibly as a director of rugby. 

Hansen's got respect from coaches and could work well with Rennie or Joseph. Plus, his daughter Whitney is making waves as the new Black Ferns coach.

Cotter's Unconventional Path

Vern Cotter, 64, took an unconventional route, starting with minor NZ roles, then coaching Canterbury Crusaders (forwards), and making his name in France with Clermont, winning the Top 14 in 2010. 

Cotter spent three successful years in charge of Scotland from 2014, then coached Fiji, before returning to New Zealand to coach the Auckland Blues in Super Rugby and winning the 2024 title.

However, Cotter was last month announced as successor to the departing Les Kiss at the Queensland Reds, effectively ruling him out.

Cotter has already said the timing hasn't worked out.