Ian Foster was appointed the new head coach of the All Blacks on Wednesday, promoted from his role as assistant under Steve Hansen to take up the reins at the most successful national rugby team of the modern era.
Foster served eight years as Hansen's assistant and his appointment maintains New Zealand Rugby's policy of promoting from within the organisation.
Hansen, who succeeded his former boss Graham Henry in 2012 after eight years as his assistant, left the post after this year's Rugby World Cup, where New Zealand's hopes of a third straight triumph were ended by England in the semi-finals.
Foster was awarded a two-year deal and takes over a team that the rugby-mad nation expects to win every game.
OUT: Scott Robertson was a serious contender but lost out to All Blacks assiatant Ian Foster. Picture: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix.
Foster, 54, beat Canterbury Crusaders coach Scott Robertson to the position, with the pair the only confirmed contenders after NZR contacted 26 coaches about the job.
"I feel truly privileged and honoured to be given this opportunity and I can’t wait to lead the team into the next chapter of what is a remarkable legacy," Foster said.
"I’m incredibly proud of what we have achieved in the All Blacks over the last eight years and I’m excited and energised by a new coaching team who will join me."
🎥 REACTION | "It's an amazing feeling, very humbling."
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) December 11, 2019
Ian Foster has today been named as the All Blacks new Head Coach. Check out his reaction below👇👇
FULL STORY ➡️ https://t.co/Z9LrFJt9m0 pic.twitter.com/e56okIZ3dQ
His four-strong team of assistants would be announced at a later date, NZR said.
Reuters