New Zealand Rugby back Foster as All Blacks coach through to World Cup
- Foster survived a review after the 2-1 defeat in the home series against Ireland in July, with his former assistant coaches John Plumtree and Brad Mooar axed instead
- The 57-year-old stays in charge for the All Blacks’ next home Test against Argentina on August 27, and will coach New Zealand at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France
New Zealand Rugby on Wednesday endorsed Ian Foster as the right man to coach the All Blacks through to next year’s World Cup but said he would have more hands-on support from selector and strategist Joe Schmidt.
Foster had come under huge pressure after the All Blacks suffered three consecutive defeats against Ireland and South Africa but was relieved after the rebound win over the Springboks at Ellis Park last Saturday.
Local media had speculated Canterbury Crusaders coach Scott Robertson was poised to replace him but New Zealand Rugby’s board unanimously backed Foster at a meeting earlier on Wednesday, officials said.
“Some of the steps we’ve seen in recent weeks give us a huge amount of confidence going forward,” New Zealand Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson told reporters.
“We’ve had some really fantastic conversations with (Foster) … We are backing (the staff) through to the World Cup.”
Foster, sitting alongside Robinson, said he was delighted with the endorsement from the CEO and board.
“I just want to remind people it’s a privilege to be in this job … I believe in the plan I’ve got and believe we’ve got great support behind us,” he said.
