Former Scotland captain appointed All Blacks attack coach and backed to bring 'innovative approach'

Blair will reunite with recently-appointed New Zealand head coach Dave Rennie, who he played under and worked alongside as an assistant at Glasgow Warriors and more recently Kobe Steelers in Japan.

The former Edinburgh Rugby head coach is part of a revamped coaching set up that will will take the team through to the 2027 Rugby World Cup. He is joined by former All Blacks captain Tana Umaga, who has been appointed as defence coach, Jase Ryan, who retains his role as forwards coach, while current Taranaki head coach Neil Barnes has been installed as senior assistant coach.

Blair will complete the current Japan Rugby League One season before moving to New Zealand, subject to the granting of a work visa by the New Zealand Government.

“This is a very experienced and highly skilled coaching team," said Rennie. "Each of these men has a track record of getting the best out of the players and teams they coach, and they are each hugely motivated to get stuck in and deliver the same success with the All Blacks.

“Neil provides outstanding leadership and strategic support; Jase has proven himself as one of the best forwards coaches in the game; Tana brings immense mana and defensive insight; and Mike will bring his innovative approach and attention to detail to our attack. I know this group will challenge and support both me and our players to bring the best out of us all."

Blair was appointed Edinburgh head coach in 2021 but quit two years later, citing a preference to focus on a more hands-on career as an attack coach. He has been working in that role under Rennie at Kobe Steelers since the start of the 2023-24 campaign and his team has scored more points in Japan League One this season than any other side (534 points in 12 games).

The former scrum-half won 85 caps for Scotland and also had a spell as an assistant coach to Gregor Townsend at Scotland between 2016 and 2021.

“I’m proud and honoured to be joining the All Blacks coaching group,” Blair said. “The history and expectations around this team are well known, and I’m looking forward to playing my part in continuing that tradition. I’m excited to get to work maximising the talent of the players and collaborating with the staff to help drive the team forward.”