Ian Foster will remain All Blacks coach until next year’s World Cup in France, New Zealand Rugby (NZR) announced on Wednesday – the New Zealand federation, which has renewed its confidence in him despite his performances weak recently.
Relieved, Foster thanked the federation’s board and chief executive Mark Robinson for their “strong support”. “It’s a privilege to hold this position, it’s never something you take for granted,” he said.
The 57-year-old coach therefore remains in charge of the All Blacks for their next home game against Argentina on August 27 in Christchurch as part of the third day of the Rugby Championship, and theoretically until the World Cup in France in September 2023. .
Stewart Mitchell, chairman of New Zealand Rugby, insisted the board still had faith in Foster despite missing three of the last five games of the year.
“I definitely want to emphasize that Ian Foster as coach and Mark (Robinson) as general manager have the full support of the board,” Mitchell said.
Foster was under pressure after back-to-back defeats at home to Ireland last month, followed by a heavy loss to South Africa.
– “Enthusiast” –
So on Sunday, Robinson had refused to publicly support Foster, even after the All Blacks’ victory against South Africa the day before in Johannesburg (35-23), on the second day of the Rugby Championship, the competition which brings together the four nations most good ones. of the southern hemisphere.
But Foster claims that there was no resentment after this episode.
“In a way, it’s also part of Robo (Robinson) and Stew (Mitchell)’s job to criticize me,” he said.
“I’d prefer not, but we live in the real world and we’re under pressure to perform. I don’t care,” he added.
See also
Foster had received support from the likes of Ardie Savea and captain Sam Cane after Saturday’s win. His predecessor Steve Hansen had also recently given him strong support, blaming New Zealand rugby officials.
“I don’t think they’re doing their job right,” he said in late July.
Asked, as such, to resign by some New Zealand media, Mark Robinson insisted on Tuesday on the current unity of all components of the All Blacks.
“We’re really excited about (…) the changes that we’ve been able to see and some of the adjustments that Foster has made,” he said.
“We believe – at board, executive and player level – that together we support this.”
