Wednesday 11 December 2019 00:30, UK
Ian Foster has succeeded Steve Hansen as All Blacks coach, New Zealand Rugby announced on Wednesday.
The 54-year-old, who has been working under Hansen for eight seasons as assistant coach, has signed a two-year contract.
Foster, a former fly-half for the Chiefs in Super Rugby, spent eight years coaching the club before leaving to join the All Blacks in 2012.
"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.
"It's incredibly humbling to be appointed to the job and I have a strong desire to serve the jersey well and represent New Zealand to the best of my ability."
NZR chairman Brent Impey said the remainder of Foster's coaching team will be confirmed at a later date.
"While we can't confirm the full make-up of the coaching team today, we're delighted with the quality they bring - they have a wide range of coaching experiences and are a diverse group of thinkers," said Impey.
"On behalf of New Zealand Rugby, I want to congratulate Ian on his appointment, and we wish him well for this next phase in the All Blacks' story."
Incoming NZR CEO Mark Robinson said: "Ian has pulled together a very strong team and he is an outstanding person in his own right with a high-quality set of values.
"He is committed to stamping his own mark on the team and it's clear that he and his coaching team want to bring a new and fresh energy into the All Blacks environment."
Robinson also acknowledged Crusaders coach Scott Robertson, who interviewed for the role.
"As someone who knows 'Razor' well as a former team-mate, he was a very impressive candidate and these decisions are never easy. We know Razor is an outstanding coach and I have no doubt he'll have a big future in our game at international level."
