New Zealand Rugby (NZR) says it has begun the process of hiring a new head coach for the All Blacks, with an appointment panel confirmed.
It followed the removal of Scott Robertson earlier this month, two years into his four-year contract.
Today, NZR confirmed a five-person appointment panel as it sought to fill the head coach role.
"The panel will include Board Chair David Kirk, Board Member Keven Mealamu, experienced high performance expert Don Tricker, Interim chief executive Steve Lancaster and a recently retired All Blacks player," said NZR Interim chief executive Steve Lancaster.
He said an experienced recently retired All Black for the appointment panel had not yet been confirmed.
"NZR will invite New Zealand coaches with international head coaching experience to apply. The appointment panel will then shortlist and interview candidates."
He said the final decision on the All Blacks' Head Coach would be made by the NZR board.
Lancaster said the role was "an incredibly important appointment".
"We’ve started the process and are giving it the care and urgency it deserves to set the team up for success. We’ll provide further updates as soon as we can," he said.
NZR chairman David Kirk previously said the team were set to play "a significant 2026 schedule", and that the tournament in 2027 remained the key goal.
The All Blacks would play the first Test match of 2026 on July 4 in Christchurch.
SHARE ME