The Fiji Rugby Union is now looking for a new forwards coach following confirmation that Flying Fijians forwards coach Jason Ryan has been appointed as the new All Blacks forwards coach.
The news has not come as a surprise to FRU CEO, John O’Connor who says they had received the request from New Zealand Rugby CEO last week for Ryan’s release.
O’Connor has congratulated Ryan on his achievements and says they cannot hold him back.
He says it was Ryan’s personal goal to join the All Blacks coaching team.
O’Connor adds Flying Fijians head coach Vern Cotter and High Performance General Manager, Simon Raiwalui are currently looking for the next best candidate.
All Blacks forwards coach John Plumtree and backs coach Brad Mooar have now parted ways with the All Blacks.
All Blacks coach, Ian Foster says Ryan is a proven performer with plenty of experience at international level where they witnessed first-hand the impact he has made on the Flying Fijians forwards, adding to his continual growth as the forwards coach of the Crusaders.
Meanwhile, Joe Schmidt will formally start his role as independent All Blacks selector. In addition to that, Schmidt has a key analysis role and will work with Foster on overall strategy and attack play.
Foster will resume leading the backs in the short term.
