Former New Zealand captain Tana Umaga is back in the All Blacks environment, joining new head coach Dave Rennie’s staff as a key assistant.
Umaga headlines a refreshed coaching group that also includes Scotland’s former scrumhalf Mike Blair, alongside experienced coach Neil Barnes and retained forwards coach Jason Ryan.
A New-Look Coaching Team
Umaga will take charge of the All Blacks’ defense, bringing leadership and deep insight from his coaching journey. He is currently head coach of Moana Pasifika and has previously led Toulon in France and the Blues in Super Rugby.
Blair, who played 85 matches for Scotland, steps in to oversee attack. He continues his working relationship with Rennie, having coached alongside him at Kobe Steelers in Japan. Blair’s resume also includes roles with Scotland, Edinburgh, and Glasgow Warriors.
Barnes joins as senior assistant, linking up with Ryan, who remains in charge of the forwards after serving under the previous regime.
Rennie’s Confidence in His Team
Rennie expressed strong belief in his new coaching group, describing them as experienced, driven, and capable of elevating the team.
He highlighted Umaga’s presence and defensive acumen, Blair’s creativity in attack, Barnes’ leadership, and Ryan’s proven expertise with the forwards.
Changes Behind the Scenes
Several assistants from the previous setup—Scott Hansen, Tamati Ellison, and Bryn Evans—have not been retained. Ellison will, however, take on a role with the New Zealand Maori side.
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