Ian Foster has reportedly secured his first job since coaching New Zealand to a Rugby World Cup final defeat against the Springboks in 2023.
According to an article in New Zealand’s Herald, the former All Blacks coach has inked a deal to helm the powerhouse Japanese League One outfit Toyota Verblitz.
It is understood that Foster will reunite with his long-time collaborator Steve Hansen, with whom he formed a formidable coaching duo during their tenure with the All Blacks from 2012 to 2019. Their partnership yielded the All Blacks’ historic World Cup victory in 2015.
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After the 2019 World Cup, head coach Hansen transitioned to a role with Verblitz while his assistant Foster assumed leadership of the Kiwi national team. Despite a defeat to the Boks last October, Foster’s coaching acumen remains highly sought-after.
While Foster initially kept mum about his future plans, he was previously quoted: “I’ve got lots of ideas but first I’m going to mow my lawns. I will be coaching though, by the way.”
Photo: Andres Larrovere/AFP
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Src: sarugbymag.co.za
