All Blacks assistant head coach Ian Foster has thrown his hat into the ring to succeed Steve Hansen after the Rugby World Cup. Foster, in his eighth season on Hansen’s staff, told reporters in Auckland on Wednesday that he was keen to step up to the head coaching role.
“If you’re asking me what happens after (the World Cup), then we’ll have to wait and see,” said the former Waikato Chiefs coach. “I’m absolutely committed to this team. This is my eighth season and I’m keen to carry on.
I’m excited about an opportunity to put my name in the ring as a head coach – but that’s the future.” Canterbury Crusaders boss Scott Robertson is the current favourite for the role, which will become vacant when Hansen steps down after the global showpiece in Japan later this year.
The All Blacks have won 85 of their 96 Test matches since Hansen succeeded Graham Henry in 2012. Former All Blacks loose forward Robertson guided the Crusaders to a third straight Super Rugby title on Saturday with a 19-3 victory over the Jaguares.
