Family of All Blacks boss Ian Foster attacked in Paris

The family members of outgoing All Blacks coach Ian Foster had a terrifying encounter with a knife-wielding man in the heart of Paris just prior to the Rugby World Cup - it has been revealed.

The incident, which took place near the team's accommodation, is being reported by media in New Zealand.

According to reports by 1News, Foster's wife, Leigh, and daughter, Michaela, found themselves facing an attempted mugging in the vicinity of their hotel.

Miraculously, they managed to escape without any loss of possessions or injury, and the incident was not publicly disclosed at the time.

The ordeal was reportedly discussed by the team's management, and in light of the incident, a strict warning was issued to all team members, advising them not to venture out alone after dark in the unfamiliar city.

The hotel where the Fosters and other team members were staying was situated in a neighbourhood with a reputation for high crime rates.

According to the report, these unfortunate circumstances and other issues with the accommodation eventually led to the hotel being removed from the tournament rotation, with the All Blacks not staying there again.

Despite the alarming incident, Foster carried out leading the All Blacks to the Rugby World Cup final, with no mention of the unsavoury event being made public.