Dave Rennie has been named the new head coach of the New Zealand All Black. He will coach the team until the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

Rennie, 57, is the first All Blacks coach with Pasifika heritage. His mother comes from Titikaveka, Rarotonga. He has coached many teams, including the Australian Wallabies, the Super Rugby-winning Chiefs, and Japan’s Kobelco Kobe Steelers.

“Coaching the All Blacks is a huge honour,” Rennie said. “I know how I want the team to play, and I am excited to work with the players.”

NZ Rugby Chair David Kirk said Rennie knows the All Blacks well and can lead the team to success.

Rennie will finish his work in Japan before coming back to New Zealand to prepare for the July test matches against France, Italy, and Ireland. He was picked after a big search for a new coach, beating Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph.

Rennie takes over from former coach Scott Robertson, who stepped down after three years coaching the team. The All Blacks will now begin preparations under Rennie for what NZ Rugby hopes will be a strong campaign leading into the next World Cup.