Dave Rennie becomes first All Blacks coach of Pacific heritage

Dave Rennie has been appointed head coach of the All Blacks through to the 2027 Rugby World Cup, becoming the first person of Pacific heritage to lead New Zealand’s national rugby team.

Rennie is of Cook Islands descent through his mother’s family from Titikaveka on Rarotonga, in the southern group of the Cook Islands.

In his first words as All Blacks coach, addressing the public by video, he greeted viewers by saying: "Kia orana koutou, Dave Rennie here."

NZR chair David Kirk says Rennie brings a proven record of success at the highest level of the game.

“On behalf of the Board, I’d like to congratulate Dave on his appointment as All Blacks Head Coach. He is a world-class coach who has consistently shown he can build strong performance environments and win," Kirk says..

“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.”

Born in Upper Hutt, the 62-year-old built his coaching reputation across New Zealand and overseas competitions.

He guided the New Zealand Under-20 side to three consecutive Junior World Championship titles between 2008 and 2010, before leading the Chiefs to back-to-back Super Rugby titles in 2012 and 2013.

Rennie also coached Scotland’s Glasgow Warriors to the Pro14 final in 2019, and later served as head coach of the Wallabies between 2020 and 2023.

Most recently he has been coaching Japanese club Kobelco Kobe Steelers, who he has helped turn into title contenders in Japan Rugby League One.

New Zealand Rugby Chair David Kirk arrives for the New Zealand Rugby press conference to announce Dave Rennie as the All Blacks Head Coach at New Zealand Rugby Auckland office. Photo/Andrew Cornaga / Photosport

Rennie says being entrusted with the role is a significant honour.

Coaching the All Blacks is an incredible honour. I’m extremely proud to have been entrusted with this role and understand the expectations that come with it," he says.

“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.”

All Blacks coach Dave Rennie speaks to media at the New Zealand Rugby press conference to announce Dave Rennie as the All Blacks Head Coach at New Zealand Rugby Auckland office. Photo/Andrew Cornaga / Photosport

Kirk says the appointment followed what he described as the most thorough recruitment process undertaken for an All Blacks head coach.

“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.”

Rennie will remain with the Kobelco Kobe Steelers until the end of the current Japan Rugby League One season before returning to New Zealand to prepare the All Blacks for their July home series against France, Italy and Ireland.

New Zealand Rugby says work is now under way with Rennie to confirm the wider All Blacks coaching and management team, with further announcements expected in the coming weeks.

All Blacks coach Dave Rennie poses for a portrait at the New Zealand Rugby Auckland office. Photo/Andrew Cornaga / Photosport