Get ready for a thrilling rugby coaching saga! The All Blacks' former head coach, Ian Foster, is back in the spotlight with a potential return to New Zealand's rugby scene.
According to sources, Foster, who is currently coaching alongside Sir Steve Hansen at Toyota Verblitz, has been approached for the vacant All Blacks head coaching role. This news comes as a surprise, especially considering his recent treatment by New Zealand Rugby. After all, they had announced that Scott Robertson would be taking over post-2023 Rugby World Cup, and Foster was almost dismissed in 2021.
But here's where it gets controversial... Foster isn't the only one in the running. Dave Rennie and Jamie Joseph have emerged as strong contenders, and there's talk of Foster returning to the All Blacks as an assistant coach, a role he previously held. However, the All Blacks aren't the only ones eyeing Foster's expertise. The Blues, in need of a new coach after confirming Vern Cotter's departure to the Queensland Reds, are also interested.
The New Zealand Herald reports that Foster and ex-All Blacks assistant Jason Holland are the top candidates to replace Cotter in Auckland. This news follows Rennie's rejection of the Blues' offer last year, before he applied for the All Blacks head coach position. Rennie has turned down the Blues twice in three years, it seems.
The former Wallabies head coach, Rennie, remains loyal to the Chiefs, having coached them for six years before moving to Glasgow. He's not willing to discuss the Auckland position, leaving the door open for others.
And this is the part most people miss... the Blues' chief executive, Karl Budge, is keeping his cards close to his chest. He declined to discuss specific individuals, but the publication insists that Holland and Foster are leading the pack.
"We want to move quickly if we can," Budge said. "We're doing our homework on some people and having preliminary conversations. We'll keep pushing forward with this."
Budge understands the potential distraction this could cause, so he wants to ensure clarity for the playing group and Cotter, focusing on off-field duties.
Foster's current situation in Japan with Verblitz is challenging, with just one win in seven matches this season. Meanwhile, Holland has rejoined the Hurricanes for the upcoming 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season.
So, who will ultimately land the top coaching job? Will Foster return to the All Blacks or join the Blues? And what about Rennie and Joseph? The rugby world is watching with bated breath.
What are your thoughts on this coaching conundrum? Feel free to share your opinions and predictions in the comments below!
