Dave Rennie is set to make history as he becomes the first person to coach both the Wallabies and the All Blacks. This significant appointment comes after a tumultuous period for Rennie, who was previously slated to lead the Wallabies into the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France before being replaced by Eddie Jones.
Rennie’s departure from the Wallabies followed a disappointing World Cup campaign, where the team failed to advance past the group stage for the first time in history. Under Jones, the Wallabies underwent a drastic overhaul, but ultimately struggled, with the coach lasting less than a year into his five-year contract. Following his exit, Jones took the reins of Japan’s national team, while Rennie remained in Japan, coaching Kobe in League One.
During his tenure with the Wallabies, Rennie led the team in 34 Tests, securing only 13 victories, which marked a 38 percent winning rate—the lowest for any Wallabies coach overseeing more than 30 matches. Despite these statistics, there were glimpses of potential, including a notable draw against the All Blacks and a positive 3-1 record against the Springboks.
Reflecting on his time, Rennie expressed disappointment over not being able to take the squad to the World Cup. “I felt more for probably about 13 or 14 players who would have gone to a World Cup with me, who didn’t get to go either,” he stated, demonstrating his commitment to his players.
Now, as he prepares to return to New Zealand, Rennie will take charge of the All Blacks following the conclusion of the Japanese season in June. His first series will feature matches against France, Italy, and Ireland in July. The All Blacks will also face the Wallabies in the Bledisloe Cup opener on October 10, 2024, one year prior to their World Cup pool clash.
Rennie’s challenge will be to unite a squad that appeared fractured during a difficult 2025 campaign under head coach Ian Foster. As part of a season review, players were interviewed and Ardie Savea was reportedly critical of Foster’s coaching methods. Savea, who is currently on sabbatical in Kobe under Rennie’s guidance, is expected to return next year for the World Cup.
Rennie is also hopeful that other key players will rejoin the team. Richie Mo’unga is set to return from Japan later this year, while Brodie Retallick may also come back after impressing Rennie during his time in Kobe. “If you want to win a World Cup ideally you’ve got your best players available,” Rennie remarked about his strategy moving forward.
As Rennie embarks on this new chapter, his experience and prior success in rugby will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, particularly as he aims to bring the All Blacks back to their winning ways.
