This article was originally published on Stuff and is reproduced with permission
Crusaders forward coach Jason Ryan is to join the All Blacks coaching team after the sacking of assistants John Plumtree and Brad Mooar.
Ryan’s appointment was announced by All Blacks head coach Ian Foster in a statement on Sunday following “robust and in-depth conversations’ after the series defeat to Ireland.
Forwards coach John Plumtree and backs coach Brad Mooar have “now parted ways with the group”.
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“Right now, I am really feeling for two fine men who are great rugby coaches that made an enormous contribution to the All Blacks,” Foster said.”I have no doubt both coaches will go on to great success and I want to thank them for their hard work.”
The All Blacks have agreed to terms with Ryan, the Crusaders and Fiji forwards coach, who will join the team at their camp in Wellington next week.”Jason is a proven performer with plenty of experience at international level,” said Foster.
“Last year we witnessed first-hand the impact he has made on Fiji’s forwards, adding to his continual growth as the forwards coach of the Crusaders. His appointment now is clearly with an eye to the future and to the RWC 2023.”
Joe Schmidt now formally starts his role as independent All Blacks selector. In addition to that, Schmidt has a key analysis role and will work with Foster on overall strategy and attack play.
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Foster will resume leading the backs in the short term.
Ryan has been Scott Robertson’s right-hand man and forwards coach at the Crusaders since 2017.
Plumtree, a former Hurricanes head coach, has also served as an All Blacks selector, and been Foster’s chief assistant since 2007.
Ryan will work with Greg Feeks, the All Blacks scrum coach.
The Crusaders confirmed Ryan will leave them to take on the All Blacks role.
“Jase has been a pivotal member of our coaching group for the last six years, coming on board back in 2017.,” the Crusaders said in a statement.
” In that time, he has left his mark on this club, forging strong relationships with coaches, management, players and staff. Not to mention six Super Rugby titles.”
He is an innovator, a leader in his field, and he has instilled a strong mentality in this team and organisation of ‘get better or get beaten’.
“While it’s bittersweet for us, we want to take this moment to celebrate Jase’s success. We’re so proud of him and know that this is a massive opportunity to represent his country in a sport and role that he is so passionate about.
“We thank him for pouring his heart and soul into red & black and wish him all the best for his new role! When we get the opportunity, we will sit down with Jase to hear about his time with the Crusaders and share it with our fans, but for now, we look forward to seeing his success in this new role.”
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