Foster confirms All Blacks assistants

Wed, Dec 18, 2019, 8:19 PM
Beth Newman
by Beth Newman
John Plumtree will be the All Blacks' forwards coach. Photo: Getty Images
John Plumtree will be the All Blacks' forwards coach. Photo: Getty Images

All Blacks coach Ian Foster has unveiled his assistant coaching team after taking over the New Zealand role.

New Zealand Rugby confirmed Foster's assistants on Thursday morning with John Plumtree, Greg Feek and Scott McLeod making up the group.

"I'm delighted to confirm three of the four other coaches who'll make up our coaching team," Foster said.

"They're all outstanding coaches in their own right, and we'll have new voices and fresh ideas in the All Blacks, which will be really stimulating for everyone, and help us grow as we enter a new era."

Plumtree will coach the forwards with Feek as scrum coach while McLeod will continue in his current role of defence coach.

Feek joins the All Blacks from Ireland after five years working with Joe Schmidt as Irish scrum coach.

There is still one position to be filled in the team with Foster set to have a four-man group.

"John is an experienced head coach with an extensive coaching background," he said.

"He's got a clear vision for our forwards and I believe he will quickly add value in the All Blacks environment."

"Greg has been involved in more than 100 Tests with Ireland and helped coach a successful Irish pack. For a young coach, he brings vast international experience. He's got a great 'tactical-technical' sense and also a great way of communicating at the right level."

"Scott has already had almost two years in the All Blacks and has overseen a period of change in our defence structure and we're getting better and better, so it's a great opportunity for him to continue that and I'm expecting a big contribution from him."

Grant Fox will continue as All Blacks selector, with Foster and Plumtree making up the New Zealand selection panel.

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