Dave Rennie Appoints Mike Blair as All Blacks Attack Coach in Major Backroom Overhaul

Posted : 24 March 2026

New Zealand Rugby has confirmed a significant restructuring of the All Blacks coaching staff following the appointment of Dave Rennie as head coach. Among the most notable additions is former Scotland international Mike Blair, who has been handed the role of attack coach. Blair’s appointment comes as part of a wider management refresh after the dismissal of Scott Robertson in January, following a disappointing 2025 season and reports of player dissatisfaction.

Blair is a long-term ally of Rennie, having served as his assistant during a successful period at Glasgow Warriors, where they reached the Pro14 final and multiple European quarter-finals. Most recently, the pair have been working together in Japan with the Kobelco Kobe Steelers. Rennie praised Blair’s "innovative approach and attention to detail," noting that his track record in various international and club environments makes him an ideal fit for the All Blacks' high-pressure environment.

The new coaching group also features the return of former All Blacks captain Tana Umaga, who will take charge of the defensive portfolio once his current commitments with Moana Pasifika conclude. Jason Ryan remains the only assistant retained from the previous regime and will continue as forwards coach. Additionally, Neil Barnes has been appointed as senior assistant coach, while Phil Healey joins as the new head of performance.

Rennie described his new team as a "formidable combination of experience and mana," emphasizing that each member has a proven history of extracting the best performance from their players. The group faces an immediate and grueling schedule, with the All Blacks set to play 13 Tests this year. Their campaign begins in July with a formidable home series against Six Nations champions France, followed by clashes with Italy and Ireland.

The appointments mark a strategic shift as New Zealand looks to rebuild its dominance ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. While some analysts have questioned the depth of international coaching experience in certain roles, Rennie remains confident that this unit provides the necessary tactical edge. Blair and Healey will officially relocate to New Zealand at the conclusion of the current Japan Rugby League One season to begin their tenure.

Dave Rennie Appoints Mike Blair as All Blacks Attack Coach in Major Backroom Overhaul

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