Plumtree, Feek confirmed
Three out of four ain’t bad. All Blacks head coach Ian Foster has confirmed the bulk of his coaching team – with Brad Mooar’s release from Scarlets in Wales to join the ‘‘awesome foursome’’ remaining the only unresolved matter.
NZ Rugby announced Foster’s new setup yesterday – or at least as much of it as they could with the national organisation locked in talks with Scarlets around the release fee they will pay to get the former Crusaders assistant out of his three-year deal with the Welsh club.
Foster said yesterday that they are ‘really confident’ of a quick solution.
Foster will officially be joined by now ex-hurricanes head coach John Plumtree and former All Black and New Zealand Maori prop and Ireland scrum coach Greg Feek, with former All Black Scott Mcleod also continuing in his defence role in the coaching team.
Plumtree will look after the forwards alongside Feek who will be scrum coach. Jason Holland has been unveiled as Plumtree’s replacement at the Canes.
The coaches, like Foster, have been appointed for a two-year period. NZ Rugby confirmed one more coach will be announced in due course, which will be Mooar once the paperwork with Scarlets is signed off. He is expected top step into the attack role.
In a surprise move, former All Black Grant Fox will continue as a selector for the 2020 season, alongside Foster and Plumtree.
Fox had previously indicated he would step down from the role.
Foster had said at his announcement as head coach he was extremely excited about the calibre of the support group he had assembled, and hoped the public would be too.
‘‘They’re all outstanding coaches in their own right, and we’ll have new voices and fresh ideas in the All Blacks, which will be really stimulating for everyone, and help us grow as we enter a new era,’’ he said yesterday.
Foster said the new assistants brought complementary skillsets which was an important factor in their suitability for the roles.
‘‘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.
‘‘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 ‘tacticaltechnical’ sense and also a great way of communicating at the right level.’’
And Foster said Mcleod’s two years with the All Blacks had proven his value.
Plumtree said the opportunity to be part of the All Blacks coaching setup fulfilled a longheld ambition.
‘‘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,’’ he said.
Feek returned to New Zealand this week after nine years overseas, including being part of the Ireland team that won the Six Nations in 2014, 2015 and 2018, and said it was a ‘‘privilege and honour’’ to take the next step in his career.
‘‘It’s unbelievable really,’’ said the former Crusaders and New Zealand prop. ‘‘I’ve learnt so much during my time overseas and I’m really energised to bring my experience into the All Blacks setup and help the team as we move into a new chapter,’’ he said.