Sport

New All Blacks coaches John Plumtree and Greg Feek confirmed

10:10 am on 19 December 2019

All Blacks coach Ian Foster has confirmed John Plumtree and Greg Feek will be part of his coaching set up.

Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Plumtree only took over as Hurricanes head coach this year replacing Chris Boyd and will be the forwards coach, while Feek - a former All Black and Ireland assistant coach - will look after the scrum.

Former All Black Scott McLeod will continue as defence coach as he was under Steve Hansen.

The trio have been appointed on two-year contracts, the same as Foster.

Foster will also appoint another coach, expected to be former Crusaders assistant Brad Mooar who is currently with Welsh club Scarlets.

But it's going to cost New Zealand Rugby $400,000 if they want Mooar released from his three-year deal which he's only three months into, according to a Welsh media reports.

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," he said.

"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.

"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.

The Hurricanes have appointed Jason Holland, who has been assistant coach for the past four years, as Plumtree's replacement, while former All Black winger Corey Jane has been appointed defence coach.

Greg Feek (left) was part of a successful coaching team with fellow New Zealander Joe Schmidt in Ireland. Photo: Photosport

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.