The hunt for a new All Blacks coach is over, with Rugby New Zealand officially confirming former Chiefs and Wallabies coach Dave Rennie, following the sudden departure of Scott Robertson in January.
Rennie, 62, will take the reins in June following the conclusion of his current commitments with the Kobelco Kobe Steelers in Japan, and will become the first All Blacks head coach with Pasifika heritage.
NZR Chairman David Kirk described him as a world-class coach who understands the unique style of rugby New Zealanders expect to see on the world stage.
The pressure will be on immediately, as the All Blacks look to move past a period of inconsistency and internal reports of strife that defined the end of the previous coaching era.
Rennie's first big test will be the July home series, where the All Blacks are set to face France, Italy, and Ireland. These games will be crucial for building momentum before the team heads into the inaugural Nations Championship and a demanding eight-match tour of South Africa later this year.
