Tamati Ellison accepts full time All Blacks role

The Crusaders confirmed Tamati Ellison has been offered and accepted a full-time role with the All Blacks ahead of their Northern Tour.

This means the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific campaign was his last with the Crusaders. As an organisation and a club, we are thrilled for Tams and wish him all the best.

Ellison joined the Crusaders in 2021 and led the team’s defence until 2024 when he took on the role of Assistant Coach leading the Crusaders attack strategy.

He was appointed by Scott Robertson into an All Blacks Assistant Coach role in late 2023 and was given additional responsibilities after the departure of All Blacks Assistant Coach Leon MacDonald in August this year.

“I’m very honoured and excited to step into the All Blacks environment full time,” said Ellison.

“As a player it’s the pinnacle of your playing career to wear the black jersey, and it’s no different as a coach.

“I have loved my time at the Crusaders. The high standards expected day to day and the care to support you in acheiving those high standards are two things that will stay with me forever. Mā pango mā whero.”

Colin Mansbridge, Crusaders CEO, said the entire organisation was “immensely proud of Tams and his appointment”.

“He’s had a huge impact over the last couple of years with us and we thoroughly appreciate his contribution,” Mansbridge said.

“One of the core goals of the Crusaders as an organisation and a rugby club is growing our people whether that be players, coaches or staff.”

Rob Penney, Crusaders Head Coach, said Ellison will always be an important part of the Crusaders whānau.

“We’re completely unsurprised the All Blacks have seen the value in him assuming a full time role. To have someone who can coach both sides of the ball at an elite level is rare.

“On behalf of the coaching and playing group, we wish you all the best with the black jersey.”

Chris Lendrum, NZR General Manager Professional Rugby and Performance, said it was “great to see Tamati’s progression through the New Zealand Rugby coaching pathway as he’s developed his craft with the Wellington Lions in the Bunnings Warehouse NPC, then with the Crusaders in DHL Super Rugby Pacific”.

“The Crusaders can be proud of their ability to develop people who are subsequently promoted to higher honours in our system, whether they be players, coaches or management,” Lendrum said.

Penney said discussions were under way with potential replacements and “we’re excited about the possibilities in front of us”.

“Tams has been working hard across both programmes and we truly value his input.

“We appreciate his support while we work on a replacement. Discussions to round out our coaching group are ongoing and we’ll share more detail in this space when we’re in a position to do so.”