Crusaders forwards and scrum guru Jason Ryan has been appointed All Blacks assistant coach, as NZ Rugby rings the changes before the tour of South Africa.
The longtime assistant and righthand man of Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson boasts an impressive resume from his time with the Christchurch-based side.
Ryan has won six Super Rugby titles in as many years as an assistant and recently brought up 100 games as coach in their semi-final win over the Chiefs in June.
He reached the milestone alongside Robertson, who was recently confirmed as the Barbarians coach for their clash against an All Blacks XV in November.
Incumbent All Blacks assistants Brad Mooar and John Plumtree have been relieved of their duties, after joining Ian Foster's backroom staff just two years ago.
Plumtree and Mooar's dismissals come from a damning review, after a disastrous series loss to Ireland, which saw the All Blacks drop to fourth in the world rankings.
"Right now, I am really feeling for two fine men who are great rugby coaches that made an enormous contribution to the All Blacks," Foster said. "I have no doubt both coaches will go on to great success and I want to thank them for their hard work."
Ryan previously served as an assistant for Fiji and coached against the All Blacks last year, signing through to 2023.
His career started as a scrum coach at Canterbury for five seasons, before becoming Robertson's assistant at the Crusaders.
Foster is looking forward to working with Ryan, after previously coaching against him.
"Jason is a proven performer with plenty of experience at international level," said Foster.
"Last year, we witnessed first hand the impact he has made on Fiji's forwards, adding to his continual growth as the forwards coach of the Crusaders. His appointment now is clearly with an eye to the future and to the RWC 2023."
Former Ireland coach Joe Schmidt will formally start his role as independent All Blacks selector. He will also work with Foster in analysis, with focus on overall strategy and attack play.
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