Rennie to coach in Glasgow

The timing of news itself caught most by surprise but Dave Rennie’s decision to join Glasgow after one final fling with the Chiefs next year should not shock anyone.

Rennie is his own man, a man of his word, and he has been speaking about heading overseas for the best part of three years.

Rennie will be a major loss to New Zealand Rugby. He won two titles at the Chiefs alongside Wayne Smith; enjoyed success with the New Zealand under-20s, transformed Manawatu and was the last coach to guide Wellington to provincial glory back in 2000.

But experience abroad is now considered a prerequisite to coaching the All Blacks. While that’s not Rennie’s major motivation for the move to the Scottish club, with the top job sewn up by Steve Hansen until 2019, he was essentially forced to look elsewhere.

‘‘I’m really happy with New Zealand Rugby. They’ve kept me informed all the way,’’ Rennie said. ‘‘The pathway from an international point of view is blocked and fair enough, too. Steve has done a great job and why wouldn’t they sign him long-term. That’s part of it, but I’ve always been keen to go overseas and Glasgow was a really good fit.

‘‘They’ve been speaking to me for a little while. Steph and I went over there last week and had a look so I’ve done my due diligence and we’re really happy with the decision.’’