Leon MacDonald and Scott Robertson. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz
Incoming All Blacks coach Scott Robertson will have a team of four assistants when he takes on the role after this year's Rugby World Cup.
Current All Blacks forwards coach Jason Ryan will be joined by Leon MacDonald, Jason Holland and Scott Hansen, with the group to take up their respective roles in 2024.
MacDonald will leave Super Rugby Pacific side the Blues to lead the All Blacks attack with assistance from Hurricanes head coach Holland, while Crusaders assistant coach Hansen will be in charge of defence.
Nic Gill, who has been a key part of the All Blacks management group since 2008, will stay on as head of performance, leading the health and performance team.
In naming his assistants Robertson will link up with men he is familiar with.
"I've known Jason [Ryan], Leon, Scott, Alfie [Holland] and Gilly for a long time and worked with them all at times during my playing and coaching career. They are a highly talented and motivated group who will bring different strengths to the table and who share a similar philosophy on the game.
"Like myself with the Crusaders, I know they all have important work to do in 2023 and their main focus will be on their current job in hand, but we will be ready to go from 2024."
MacDonald was relishing his elevation up the coaching ranks.
"The All Blacks were the ultimate for me as a player and nothing has changed as a coach. It's an honour to be asked to join the coaching team and once my Blues commitments are complete, I look forward to starting a new chapter with a talented group of coaches."
Scott Robertson, coach of the Crusaders and Jason Ryan, former assistant coach of the Crusaders will take their partnership to the All Blacks level. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Hansen, who is currently working alongside Robertson at the Crusaders, said his whānau was proud of hm securing his next role.
"To coach and serve any player that aspires to be their best is one of my most rewarding experiences, to now be able to do this within the All Blacks environment for me is an honour. I wish Ian Foster, Sam Cane, the All Blacks players, coaching and management staff all the very best for what we all believe will be a successful 2023 season. My immediate focus and energy now continues to be with the Crusaders for this season."
New Zealand Rugy chief executive Mark Robinson said all four had proven themselves as "successful and skilled mentors" in their respective Super Rugby environments and in some cases overseas.
"As we announce this group, I would also like to acknowledge the current All Blacks coaching group who will guide the team through 2023, and who have the full backing and support of NZ Rugby as they build toward the Rugby World Cup in France.
"We believe it was important to announce this group now to allow the four appointed assistant coaches to focus on their Super Rugby Pacific commitments this season, and to allow their organisations to progress their planning for 2024."