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NZR finalise 2024 All Blacks management group under Scott Robertson
By Finn Morton
Current Crusaders assistant Tamati Ellison is the final member to join the new-look All Blacks coaching group for 2024, as confirmed by New Zealand Rugby on Thursday.
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Ellison, who played four Test matches for New Zealand, joins Scott Robertson’s management group as the All Blacks’ newly appointed Contact Skills Coach.
The other assistant coaches working with the man affectionally known as ‘Razor’ include Jason Holland (backs), Jason Ryan (forwards), Leon MacDonald (attack) and Scott Hansen (defence).
Rugby guru Wayne Smith – who helped the All Blacks end their Rugby World Cup drought in 2011 before leading the Black Ferns to a title last year – will support the group as a performance coach.
“We are extremely excited by the mix of top international coaching and management experienced, and high-quality new personnel, in the team supporting Scott,” NZR General Manager professional Rugby Chris Lendrum said in a statement.
“We strongly believe that these are the best people to carry the All Blacks’ legacy forward and enhance it further in the coming years.
“We have worked closely with Scott and his team in creating some new roles and are excited to see what this group can achieve.”
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Former Crusaders coach Scott ‘Razor’ Robertson was officially named as Ian Foster’s successor in the All Blacks hot seat in March.
Robertson was the fan favourite for the position after leading the Crusaders to seven Super Rugby titles in as many years – a feat that very well may never be replicated.
While it was a popular decision to appoint Robertson into the role, the makeup of the rest of the All Blacks management group for 2024 should pique the interest of New Zealand rugby fans as well.
“I’d like to welcome everyone to what is a special team of highly skilled individuals,” Robertson said.
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“It’s a real privilege to represent our country and I’m proud of the group that we have assembled. They are all at the top of their craft and bring some incredible expertise with them.
“I know how hard each person has been working, and will continue to work, as we build towards our first season together. A massive focus for us is to do the jersey proud and build on an amazing legacy.”
2024 All Blacks Management
Scott Robertson (Head Coach)
Jason Ryan (Assistant Coach – Forwards)
Leon MacDonald (Assistant Coach – Attack)
Scott Hansen (Assistant Coach – Defence)
Jason Holland (Assistant Coach – Backs)
Tamati Ellison (Contact Skills Coach)
Wayne Smith (Performance Coach)
Jamie Hamilton (Head Performance Analyst)
Al Beeton (Assistant Performance Analyst)
Jon Gardner (Assistant Performance Analyst)
Ceri Evans (Head of Leadership + Mental Performance)
Nic Gill (Head of Performance)
Adam Hay (Performance Scientist)
Martin Swan (Doctor)
Karl McDonald (Lead Physiotherapist)
Teresa Te Tamaki (Assistant Physiotherapist)
Kat Darry (Dietician)
Paul McLaughlan (Team Manager)
Megan Compain (Commercial Manager)
James Iversen (Logistics Manager)
Matt Manukia (Communications Manager)
Paula Powlesland (Business Manager)
Bianca Thiel (Operations Manager)
Who will be in charge of sin bins and red cards? High tackle consultant?
Just kidding. Relax.
What a team!!
Geeze, I hope Tamati is the next messiah after Razor because he’s been handed the All Blacks biggest work on’s in the breakdown and tackle contact.