All Blacks assistants retained to 2019

All Blacks assistants Ian Foster and Mike Cron have recommitted to the national side through to the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

New Zealand Rugby (NZR) confirmed Foster, the assistant head coach to Steve Hansen, and Cron, the scrum specialist, had re-signed on Tuesday morning.

‘‘Ian Foster and Mike Cron continue to make invaluable contributions to the All Blacks and their respective roles in the team’s success in recent years can’t be underestimated,’’ NZR boss Steve Tew said in a statement.

‘‘[Foster] has lead the team’s back play and attack, which was second to none last year, with the All Blacks topping the international try-scoring table with 80 tries, almost double their nearest rival.

‘‘Cronno has long been considered the guru of scrum and forward play, and he remains one of the most innovative coaches in the game. His commitment to helping players improve is legendary. We are delighted to both have them resign with New Zealand Rugby.’’

Hansen brought Foster, a former Chiefs player and coach, into the mix in 2012, while Cron has been an NZR resource coach since 2004. Their recommitment comes less than a week after fellow All Blacks assistant Wayne Smith confirmed he would stand down after this year’s Rugby Championship.

Smith is renowned as a defensive guru, and his departure has led to speculation Highlanders assistant Scott McLeod or Hurricanes assistant John Plumtree could replace him. Hansen, who is also signed on with NZR until the end of the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan, praised Foster and Cron for signing on.

‘‘Having Fosie re-sign is great news. He’s been an integral member of the All Blacks coaching and management group over the last five years and he brings a lot of composure, rugby nous and intellect to the team.

‘‘He’s a key member of our management leadership team, he runs the coaching unit and has done a fantastic job in that regard. To know that he’s continuing through to the end of the Rugby World Cup in 2019 is fantastic.’’

Hansen described Cron as a ‘‘master craftsman.’’ ‘‘He’s been around teams I’ve coached for a long, long time now and is someone I trust very much.

‘‘ He’s never stopped growing as a coach, he’s never stopped learning and he constantly stimulates the players with what he brings to the table.’’

Cron was excited at the prospect of coaching at a fifth World Cup (four with the All Blacks and one with Wales).