Ian Foster confirms all but one of his coaching team
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All Blacks Head Coach Ian Foster has today confirmed the bulk of his All Blacks coaching team.
Foster will be joined by Hurricanes Head Coach John Plumtree, former All Black and Maori All Black and Ireland scrum coach Greg Feek, with former All Black Scott McLeod also continuing in his defence role in the All Blacks coaching team.
Plumtree will look after the forwards in the new coaching set-up alongside Feek who will be scrum coach.
The coaches have been appointed for a two-year period. One more coach will be announced in due course.
Former All Black Grant Fox will continue as a selector for the 2020 season alongside Foster and Plumtree
"I'm delighted to confirm three of the four other coaches who'll make up our coaching team. They're all outstanding coaches in their own right, and we'll have new voices and fresh ideas in the All Blacks, which will be really stimulating for everyone, and help us grow as we enter a new era," Foster said.
Incoming New Zealand Rugby CEO Mark Robinson added: "When Ian was appointed to the Head Coach job, we were all impressed by the collective strength of the team that he'd assembled. It's a combination of youth and experience, with both international and New Zealand experience, and they'll bring new ideas to the playing group, which is exciting for the future."
Foster said the new coaches all had complementary skillsets.
"John is an experienced Head Coach with an extensive coaching background. He's got a clear vision for our forwards and I believe he will quickly add value in the All Blacks environment."
Foster on Feek: "Greg has been involved in more than 100 Tests with Ireland and helped coach a successful Irish pack. For a young coach, he brings vast international experience. He's got a great 'tactical-technical' sense and also a great way of communicating at the right level."
On Scott McLeod, Foster said: "Scott has already had almost two years in the All Blacks and has overseen a period of change in our defence structure and we're getting better and better, so it's a great opportunity for him to continue that and I'm expecting a big contribution from him."
Plumtree said he was thrilled at the opportunity to be involved with the All Blacks.
"When you start out as a young coach, you dream that one day you'll be helping coach the All Blacks, and to now have that dream realised is incredible. I've done a fair bit of coaching in different parts of the world over the last 20 years and to now be part of the All Blacks is fantastic," he said.
Greg Feek returned to New Zealand this week after nine years overseas and was a key figure in the Irish team which won the Six Nations in 2014, 2015 and 2018.
"It's a real privilege and honour to be named as part of the All Blacks coaching team. It's unbelievable really. I've learnt so much during my time overseas and I'm really pumped and energised to bring my overseas experience into the All Blacks set-up and help the team as we move into a new chapter," Feek said.
Scott McLeod said: "I've loved every minute of my time so far with the All Blacks and working with the new coaching team and players as we enter a new era is going to be awesome. There are different challenges every day and every week at Test level and I'm looking forward to continue playing my part."
