Skipper Sam Cane and playmaker Beauden Barrett “think everyone might be a little bit over” the ongoing debate over New Zealand head coach Ian Foster’s successor.
New Zealand Rugby on Wednesday launched its hunt for the next All Blacks coach, as incumbent Foster confirmed he would not be reapplying for the position after the 2023 World Cup.
The new coach will take charge of the All Blacks from 2024 onwards, with Foster’s tenure ending after this year’s tournament in France.
While NZR remained tight-lipped on proceedings, a frustrated Cane addressed the latest developments in the coaching saga in a wide-ranging interview with New Zealand’s Herald.
“Not just players, but I think everyone might be a little bit over how long it’s been playing out publicly with different things here and there. But the fact that the decision has been made, now everyone can move on and know what’s happening,” he said.
“Whether individuals agree or disagree with the decision or the process, that’s neither here nor there now. It’s been made and you just move forward with it.
MORE: All Blacks to name Foster’s successor in weeks
“We know now a decision has been made so we can just worry now about focusing on this season and what’s ahead, which [for me] is Chiefs season right now.
“As long as these appointments don’t carry on too late into the year, then I think come All Blacks season, as long as coaches and management know what the future looks like for them and can just focus on doing their jobs to the best of their abilities, it should be fine.”
Barrett believes the right call will be made on the top job in New Zealand rugby, as he focuses on trying to shut out the off-field noise and distraction during the Super Rugby Pacific season.
“Depends how much you want to read into it. I’ve always kept the reading and listening to a minimum and haven’t got too involved with that in the past,” he told Sportstalk.
“And I know the decision’s being made, so it’s completely out of our hands. As a player, I’m just focused on playing this weekend for my team and we trust that New Zealand make the right decisions for the right reasons. This is the union I’m talking about. And there’s nothing we can do about it as players.
“At the moment, [I’m] focusing on playing first-five for the Blues and who knows what will happen.”
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