New broom sweeps clean: All Blacks coach Dave Rennie says he's got no loyalties

Dave Rennie has opened up on what his plans are with the All Blacks after it was confirmed on Wednesday that he would be taking over their coaching reins.

After several weeks of speculation, New Zealand Rugby (NZR) revealed that Rennie has been appointed as the All Blacks' new head coach on a contract until the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

He is of Cook Islands descent through his mother and becomes the first All Blacks head coach with Pasifika heritage.

Rennie is an experienced coach who is currently in charge of Japan Rugby League One outfit Kobelco Kobe Steelers and NZR revealed that he would commence his duties with the All Blacks ahead of their Nations Championship Tests against France, Italy and Ireland in July once he completes his club commitments in June.

The 62-year-old has been with Kobelco Kobe Steelers for the past three years, after he was fired as the Wallabies' head coach shortly before the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.

Rennie, who also had successful coaching stints with the Chiefs and Glasgow Warriors, is excited by the challenge of coaching the All Blacks and revealed that he will select players purely on form.

"Whether I was coming back to this role or not, I watch every game of Super Rugby. So, I'm not concerned about having an understanding of where players are at, but I'll watch it closely," he told reporters in Auckland on Wednesday.

"One advantage is players are going to have to earn the right to wear the jersey. I've got no loyalties.

"I don't come from a team where I've had a lot of these guys previously, and so I think that's really exciting. We'll select based on form."

Although overseas-based players are currently ruled out of All Blacks selection, Rennie revealed that he is looking at luring some players back to New Zealand to represent the country's national team.

One player who is in red-hot form currently is All Blacks Test centurion Brodie Retallick, who plies his trade under Rennie at Kobelco Kobe Steelers.

"I'll comment on Brodie Retallick. I get to see him train and play every week. He's stronger than he's ever been," said Rennie.

"He's fitter than he's ever been. I'm not sure if I'm allowed to, but there's no doubt you want to win a World Cup, ideally, you've got your best players available.

"Obviously, Richie's (Mo'unga) coming back, which would be good. He's been in great form in Japan. And yeah, look, certainly you have someone like a Brodie Retallick coming into the environment.

"I reckon it'll really grow the whole group and if I had the chance to get him back, I'd certainly jump in it."

Rennie said he is keen to have conversations with All Blacks who played under his predecessor, Scott Robertson, particularly Scott Barrett, who was New Zealand's captain in 2024 and 2025.

"I think you've got to work through those things and I'm keen to have a chat with players. I know Scott Barrett is a fantastic player and current captain and so I'd be keen to have a chat to him about going forward."

Rennie was involved in a two-horse race with Jamie Joseph for the All Blacks' head coach position, and he revealed that his rival got in touch with him to congratulate him on his appointment.

"I really appreciate his message. That just shows the class of the man," he said.

Robertson's assistant coaches, Scott Hansen, Jason Ryan and Tamati Ellison, are still in NZR's employment and although the governing body and the new head coach are going to work on finalising his coaching and management staff, Rennie is eager to bring some people in.

"I've got a history of surrounding myself with quality people who can make a difference and I'm keen to do that," he said.

Despite facing a daunting task as All Blacks boss with the Nations Championship and Greatest Rivalry Series against the Springboks set to take place this year and the Rugby World Cup lying in wait next year, Rennie is confident of being successful in his new position.

"It will take a lot of work, it will take a lot of alignment, it's a sprint from here by the time we start we'll have about 15 months until the World Cup," he added.

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