Rugby: Foster says he’s ’highly unlikely’ to stay as All Blacks coach in 2024
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All Blacks coach Ian Foster’s contract expires following this year’s Rugby World Cup in France.
PHOTO: AFP
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WELLINGTON – All Blacks coach Ian Foster admitted on Wednesday that it was “highly unlikely” that he would be in charge in 2024, as speculation grows in New Zealand about his future.
His contract expires following the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France and he does not expect it to be extended.
“It’s highly unlikely I’ll be in this job next year,” he told Newstalk ZB radio. “I keep getting asked about it, if I am going to apply, but the question (for me) is what’s best for the All Blacks in 2023.”
New Zealand Rugby reportedly wants to have the All Blacks coaching staff for 2024 finalised by April.
Canterbury Crusaders coach Scott Robertson and Japan boss Jamie Joseph have been tipped as possible replacements.
While speculation is rife, Foster, 57, is concerned that debate about his future could overshadow World Cup preparations and wants any announcement about the 2024 All Blacks coach to be made only after the Sept 8-Oct 28 tournament.
“This is more of a debate about who is going to apply rather than what is the right thing for the team,” he added.
“I’m reading the tea leaves and I think it looks like there’s a mood for a change. And, so for me, I’d like to put energy into that at the end of the year. Not now.
“My sole focus is on the World Cup. We have a big prize to win. I’d rather be talking about that in 2023.”
Foster replaced Steve Hansen following the 2019 Rugby World Cup held in Japan. South Africa beat England in the final while New Zealand, chasing a hat-trick of titles, finished third.
Foster came under pressure as the All Blacks posted erratic results in 2022 and lost at home to both Ireland and Argentina for the first time.
But they did beat world champions South Africa on their way to winning the Rugby Championship and then went undefeated on their four-match Northern Hemisphere tour.
Foster also said he has not spoken to the All Blacks players about his future. “I haven’t tried to engage any players, they have enough pressure on them in their own areas,” he added.
“I speak on behalf of a management team of 20 people who are working their butt off to go to France and win the Rugby World Cup. That is our only goal.”
The New Zealander did have something to smile about this week, however, after his daughter Michaela made her international debut for New Zealand’s football team against Argentina.
Called up to the squad last week, Wellington Phoenix defender Foster was introduced on the hour-mark of the 2-0 defeat at Hamilton’s Waikato Stadium on Monday.
The proud father watched the 24-year-old’s debut after offering her a few words of encouragement.
“He’s always trying to give me advice,” Michaela joked in an interview on Tuesday.
“He was just telling me to kind of enjoy the moment... go in with an open mind, open eyes and just soak it all up.” AFP, REUTERS
