Joe Schmidt’s role with the All Blacks has been confirmed by Ian Foster.
Following days of speculation as to where the successful former Ireland head coach would fit in the mix, Foster has affirmed his role as both an independent selector and an analyst in the team.
While many believed Schmidt may take over from Foster in the wake of their series defeat to the touring Irish, New Zealand Rugby has opted to leave the current coach at the helm and add the former Six Nations champion coach as a reinforcement.
Following Grant Fox’s departure from the national side’s selection panel, Foster has cleared up who took part in the Rugby Championship squad naming.
“The selectors that selected this (squad) were the existing three minus Grant Fox, plus Joe Schmidt,” Foster told reporters at a press conference.
“So, myself, Plum (John Plumtree) and Joe Schmidt. Joe Schmidt has now officially joined us in his role and … I know there was lots of talk about Joe’s role but Joe’s role is as was flagged six months ago.
“He’s come in as the independent selector, he also has a secondary role of being an opposition analyst for me, like an opposition head coach.
“He is working with me behind the scenes on the … I guess the strategic areas that we feel we need to move (in), so excited to have him on board.
“He’s not travelling with us, so we’re clear, and at this stage hasn’t got an on-the-field role but he is working hard with me particularly, on the strategic area of our game.”
Both Foster and Schmidt will now have their work cut out for them as they attempt to return the side to glory at the Rugby Championship next month.
The All Blacks will face South Africa, Argentina and Australia throughout the Championship, with their first match set to take place at Mbombela Stadium on August 7.