1
All Blacks hit with dramatic late twist following Ian Foster's appointment as head coach
By Online Editors
New Zealand Rugby could be left to fork out a large financial sum to bring together Ian Foster's coaching group in the wake of his announcement as the next boss of the All Blacks.
It's believed that the 54-year-old wants to make Scarlets head coach Brad Mooar a key component of his backroom staff as backs and attack coach, but the appointment of the ex-Crusaders assistant could come at a cost.
A report from the New Zealand Herald states that Mooar, who has been at Scarlets for just four months since being recruited from the Crusaders ahead of the 2019-20 PRO14 campaign, only told his bosses in Wales of his desire to move back to New Zealand to link up with Foster "within the past 48 hours".
Continue reading below...
The Herald says that executives from the Llanelli-based club "were blindsided by the news and are yet to hear from anyone at New Zealand Rugby".
It's an awkward situation for both parties, especially given that Mooar, who has been signed to Scarlets on a three-year deal, has proven to be hugely popular in the region after having sold his long-term vision to players, staff and fans of creating a dynasty at the club.
Since his arrival at the Parc y Scarlets, the 45-year-old former lawyer has led his side to five wins in his opening seven matches in the PRO14, while he has won a further two matches from three outings in the European Challenge Cup.
As such a popular and compelling figure in Llanelli, it's expected that Scarlets will want significant compensation should Mooar exit his contract with more than two-and-a-half years remaining on his deal.
WalesOnline are reporting that Scarlets have since held urgent meetings with their Kiwi mentor as they scramble to solidify their future.
"The Scarlets are in discussions with Brad Mooar amid increasing speculation linking him to a role in the new All Blacks coaching team," the news outlet reported on Friday.
"Neither the New Zealand Rugby Union nor the Scarlets have yet spoken publicly about the rumours.
"But it is believed the west Wales region are in talks with Mooar as fears grow that he could be poised for a return to his homeland."
"6115469108001"]
Trending on RugbyPass
2
South Africa player ratings | 2024 Autumn Nations Series
3
Scotland's Sione Tuipulotu admits anger at Australian rugby
4
Fissler Confidential: Willie le Roux rumours ignite after Bok star spo
5
Latest Comments
There is this thing going around against Siya Kolisi where they don't want him to be known as the best national captain ever, so they strike him down in ratings permanently whenever they can. They want McCaw and reckons he is the best captain ever. I disagree.
Just like they refuse to see SA as the best team and some have even said that should the Boks win a third WC in a row, they will still not be the best team ever. Even if they win every game between now and the WC. That is some serious hate coming SA's way.
Everyone forget how the McCaw AB's intimidated refs, was always on the wrong side, played on the ground etc. Things they would never have gotten away with today. They may have a better win ratio, but SA build depth, not caring about rank inbetween WC's until this year.
They weren't as bad inbetween as people claim, because non e of their losses was big ones and they almost never faced the strongest Bok team outside of the WC, allowing countries like France and Ireland to rise to the top unopposed.
Rassie is still at it, building more depth, getting more young stars into the fold. By the time he leaves (I hope never) he will leave a very strong Bok side for the next 15- 20 years. Not everyone will play for 20 years, but each year Rassie acknowledge the young stars and get them involved and ready for international rugby.
Not everyone will make it to the WC, but those 51/52 players will compete for those spots for the WC. They will deliver their best. The future of the Boks is in very safe hands. The only thing that bothers me is Rassie's health. If he can overcome it, rugby looks dark for the rest of the rugby world. He is already the greatest coach in WR history. By the time he retires, he will be the biggest legend any sport has ever seen
Go to commentsWas it? I just brought it up in some of my posts to rub it in that the AB last year nearly put 100 on a top 6N side lol
I agree to be honest. The biggest key to me that they might be jadded was none of them had mom performances, or even as good as their last three games.
Go to comments