26 coaches who could replace Steve Hansen in the race to become next All Blacks boss

The search for Steve Hansen's replacement is well underway at New Zealand Rugby headquarters, with chairperson Brent Impey announcing earlier this week that 26 people from around the globe have been invited to apply for the role of All Blacks head coach.

Given the prominence of Kiwi coaches worldwide, there are a plethora of individuals on the Super Rugby, European, Japanese and international scene - aside from departing Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt, whose unavailability for the All Blacks post has been confirmed - who may have made the cut.

As it is an official employment process, the identities of those 26 individuals will remain confidential, but that doesn't stop the questioned being asked: who could be on that extended shortlist?

In an attempt to find an answer, we profile 26 potential candidates to lead the All Blacks towards the 2023 World Cup in France.

Continue reading below...

Front Runners

Ian Foster (All Blacks assistant)

Among the leading contenders to succeed his current boss, Foster appears to have the support of both Hansen and the senior crop of current All Blacks. Has been part of the All Blacks set-up since 2012 and was an assistant during New Zealand’s successful 2015 World Cup defence. Is likely to retain Scott McLeod as an assistant should he be elected into power. Lack of experience overseas could harm his chances, though, as could his track record as head coach with the Chiefs and Waikato, which saw just two final luckless NPC and Super Rugby final appearances in 2002 and 2009.

Scott Robertson (Crusaders)

One of the most successful Kiwi coaches over the past decade. Spent nine seasons with Canterbury as assistant and head coach between 2008 and 2016, winning domestic titles in all but one of those years. Has gone on to claim a hat-trick of Super Rugby titles with the Crusaders in his first three seasons there, and bagged a World U20 crown with the Baby Blacks in 2015 for good measure. Is thought that Irish legend and former Crusaders assistant Ronan O’Gara will form part of his coaching team if appointed. Would be a breath of fresh air within the All Blacks through his unorthodox coaching style, and well thought of by his Crusaders players. Like Foster, however, he has spent no time abroad as a professional coach.

Jamie Joseph (Japan)

The ex-All Black was one of the heroes of the recent World Cup, guiding an exciting Japan outfit to their maiden quarter-final appearance on their home turf. Has plenty of experience both in New Zealand and offshore. Led the Highlanders to their only Super Rugby title four years ago and has spent time with Wellington, the Sunwolves and the Maori All Blacks since 2003. Joseph also has the guarantee of having the well-regarded Tony Brown by his side as an assistant should he apply for the role, which would continue their coaching partnership which first blossomed in Dunedin in 2013.

Dave Rennie (Glasgow Warriors)

Initially courted by Rugby Australia to replace outgoing Wallabies head coach Michael Cheika, Rennie will put those talks on hold after being shoulder-tapped by New Zealand Rugby for the vacant All Blacks position. Claimed three consecutive World U20 crowns with New Zealand between 2008 and 2010 before leading the Chiefs to their only two Super Rugby championships in 2012 and 2013. Has also worked with Wellington, the Hurricanes and the International Rugby Academy of New Zealand, and is currently earning his stripes overseas with Scottish Pro14 club Glasgow.

International

 John Mitchell (England assistant)

Arguably the most experienced coach on this list after having coached at first-class level since the dawn of the professional age. His career has seen him coach in New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, England, Ireland and the United States, and was enlisted as England’s assistant coach last year, playing a key role in the side’s stern defence which nullified the All Blacks in the World Cup semi-final. Has already coached the All Blacks, leading them to an unsuccessful tilt at the 2003 World Cup in one of many title-less coaching campaigns, and would be considered a slim chance to re-claim the role he last held 16 years ago.

John McKee (Fiji)

Formerly the boss of Connacht, assistant of Australia U20 and the now-defunct Pacific Islanders, and technical advisor of Tonga, McKee has overseen the Flying Fijians since 2014. During his tenure in the Pacific, Fiji have become one of the most exciting international sides to watch in the world with their fluid attacking style of play thanks to the presence of the likes of Semi Radradra and Josua Tuisova. Recent shock loss to Uruguay in September is be a blemish on his otherwise impressive spell, and is likely to stay on with Fiji over the coming seasons.

Milton Haig (Georgia)

Cut his teeth in New Zealand’s provincial and representative ranks with Wanganui, Bay of Plenty, Counties Manukau, New Zealand U21 and the Maori All Blacks before assisting Foster at the Chiefs in 2011. Went on to take the reins of Georgia and led the Lelos to two World Cups, helping raise the profile of the national side significantly to become one of the world’s leading tier two sides. Would perhaps be more suited to a position with a Super Rugby club or a separate tier one nation before coming into All Blacks consideration.

Steve Jackson (Samoa)

Jumped straight into his coaching career after wrapping up his time as a player for Tasman in 2008. Assisted the Mako and Counties Manukau before leading North Harbour for three seasons, capping off his time in Auckland’s northern suburbs with a last-gasp Mitre 10 Cup Championship title in 2016. Spent time as an assistant coach at the Blues for two seasons before joining Samoa last year, but an underwhelming World Cup campaign should kill off any dim chance of him earning a surprise call-up to the All Blacks.