Ian Foster will coach the All Blacks through to next year's World Cup, New Zealand Rugby said on Wednesday, giving him a vote of confidence despite recent poor performances.
A relieved-looking Foster thanked the board and CEO Mark Robinson for their "strong support" after a meeting to decide his fate. "It's a privilege to be in this job, it's never something you take for granted," Foster said.
The 57-year-old stays in charge for the All Blacks' next home Test, against Argentina in Christchurch on August 27, and will coach New Zealand at the Rugby World Cup in France in September 2023.
Foster will receive extra support with former Ireland boss Joe Schmidt coaching the attack, having been a New Zealand selector. "Joe Schmidt has been on my radar for a couple of years," said Foster. "We've decided to move him from the computer room to put him on the park a bit more." Stewart Mitchell, chairman of New Zealand Rugby, said the board had faith in Foster despite the All Blacks losing three of five Test matches so far this year, triggering calls from fans and media for him to be sacked. "I want to absolutely emphasise that both Ian Foster as head coach and Mark as CEO has full support from the board," said Mitchell.