Head coach Scott Robertson has added the final piece of the puzzle to the All Blacks coaching staff for 2024, by recruiting a key member from the Crusaders backroom.
Crusaders assistant coach Tamati Ellison has been unveiled as the latest addition, New Zealand Rugby announced on Thursday.
The four-Test former All Blacks back assumes the role of contact skills coach in Robertson’s management group which also features Jason Holland (backs), Jason Ryan (forwards), Leon MacDonald (attack), and Scott Hansen (defence).
ALSO: SA back-row export battles cancer
Wayne Smith, pivotal in ending the All Blacks’ World Cup drought in 2011 and guiding the Black Ferns to a recent title, joins as a performance coach.
NZR general manager Chris Lendrum is pleased with the blend of expertise and new talent, believing this group is poised to elevate the All Blacks’ legacy in the years ahead.
“We are extremely excited by the mix of top international coaching and management experienced, and high-quality new personnel, in the team supporting Scott,” Chris Lendrum said in a statement.
“We strongly believe that these are the best people to carry the All Blacks’ legacy forward and enhance it further in the coming years.
“We have worked closely with Scott and his team in creating some new roles and are excited to see what this group can achieve.”
Photo: Hannah Peters/Getty Images