Foster confirms ABs coaching team

Ian Foster. Photo: Getty Images
Ian Foster. Photo: Getty Images
Ian Foster has confirmed the bulk of his All Blacks coaching team.

John Plumtree, Greg Feek and Scott McLeod will join the new head coach in guiding the side in 2020.

Plumtree will coach the forwards, while Feek will fill the scrum coach void.

McLeod will continue in his defence role.

Meanwhile Grant Fox remains as a selector.

Scott Robertson. Photo: Supplied
Scott Robertson. Photo: Supplied
Foster beat out Crusaders coach Scott Robertson for the All Blacks role.

The highly-respected Christchurch resident and former All Blacks loose-forward opened up about his "natural disappointment" of missing out on the All Blacks head coaching role, but has shrugged off suggestions he would immediately look for work overseas.

Foster, who has spent the past eight years as an assistant to Steve Hansen, was thrilled with his new group.

"I'm delighted to confirm three of the four other coaches who'll make up our coaching team," he said.

"They're all outstanding coaches in their own right, and we'll have new voices and fresh ideas in the All Blacks, which will be really stimulating for everyone, and help us grow as we enter a new era."

He said the coaches all had skills which would complement each other.

"John is an experienced head coach with an extensive coaching background. 

"He's got a clear vision for our forwards and I believe he will quickly add value in the All Blacks environment.

"Greg has been involved in more than 100 tests with Ireland and helped coach a successful Irish pack.

"For a young coach, he brings vast international experience. He's got a great 'tactical-technical' sense and also a great way of communicating at the right level.

"Scott has already had almost two years in the All Blacks and has overseen a period of change in our defence structure and we're getting better and better, so it's a great opportunity for him to continue that and I'm expecting a big contribution from him."

Incoming New Zealand Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson said the strength of the group made Foster's application a stand out.

"When Ian was appointed to the head coach job, we were all impressed by the collective strength of the team that he'd assembled. 

"It's a combination of youth and experience, with both international and New Zealand experience, and they'll bring new ideas to the playing group, which is exciting for the future."Foster said.

Said Foster: "I'm delighted to confirm three of the four other coaches who'll make up our coaching team.  They're all outstanding coaches in their own right, and we'll have new voices and fresh ideas in the All Blacks, which will be really stimulating for everyone, and help us grow as we enter a new era."