Image source, SNSImage caption, Mike Blair and Dave Rennie worked together at Glasgow Warriors
- Published1 hour ago
Former Edinburgh head coach Mike Blair will continue his alliance with Dave Rennie after agreeing to join the New Zealand backroom staff being assembled by the new All Blacks boss.
Blair, a former Scotland captain, was Rennie's assistant when Glasgow Warriors reached the Pro14 final in 2019 and Champions Cup quarter‑finals in 2017 and 2019. He went on to take the top job at Edinburgh from 2021 to 2023.
Since 2023, Blair has been working in Japan with Rennie at Kobelco Kobe Steelers as an attack coach and will join New Zealand in the same role.
Rennie has been appointed to lead the All Blacks after the dismissal of Scott Robertson.
Former Scotland skills and attack coach Blair said: "I'm proud and honoured to be joining the All Blacks coaching group.
"The history and expectations around this team are well known and I'm looking forward to playing my part in continuing that tradition."
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In addition to former Scotland scrum-half and British and Irish Lion Blair, Rennie has appointed former New Zealand captain Tana Umaga as defence coach, while Jason Ryan will continue as forwards coach and Neil Barnes will be senior assistant coach.
Phil Healey, who has also worked with Rennie at Warriors and in Japan, is the new head of performance, while Tamati Ellison will be Maori All Blacks head coach.
Rennie said he has recruited a group who each have vast proven experience and are world-class in their specialist fields.
"This is a very experienced and highly skilled coaching team," Rennie said. "Each of these men has a track record of getting the best out of the players."
Blair and Healey will complete the current Japan Rugby League One season before moving to New Zealand.
"Mike will bring his innovative approach and attention to detail to our attack," Rennie added.
