Umaga wants to restore All Blacks' shine as he begins assistant coaching role

Tana Umaga has called on himself and the All Blacks coaching staff to restore the side’s reputation after admitting the team has “lost a bit of our shine”, as he prepares to begin his role as defence coach under Dave Rennie ahead of New Zealand’s Nations Championship campaign in July.

Umaga’s departure from Moana Pasifika was confirmed on Saturday evening following the Auckland-based franchise’s 21-19 victory over the ACT Brumbies in Canberra — a heartening end to a difficult season that saw the side finish bottom of the Super Rugby Pacific table, winning only their opening game against the Fijian Drua and their final fixture.

“As a fan of the All Blacks, we’ve probably lost a bit of our shine,” Umaga told former All Black centurion Mils Muliaina on The Breakdown. “I want to start rubbing that jersey, bring the shine back to it.”

The 53-year-old, who became the first New Zealander of Pacific Island heritage to captain the All Blacks in a Test match, was clear-eyed about the expectations that come with the role. “The ultimate goal was winning the World Cup, that’s why we’re here, but as we know, within New Zealand, we’re also expected to win every Test match,” he said.

Umaga joins a coaching group that includes senior assistant Neil Barnes, forwards coach Jason Ryan, and attack coach Mike Blair. Sir Graham Henry was also appointed as a selector last month, providing Rennie’s staff with an experienced outside perspective.

The first All Blacks squad of 2026 is set to be named on June 22, with three Nations Championship fixtures scheduled for July.

Speaking about head coach Rennie, Umaga highlighted his ability to foster genuine player investment. “Every team that he has been a part of — how all of them talk around how great he is at making players feel like they’re part of this journey. They’re not just there on the ride,” Umaga said.

“Getting that engagement is important, understanding who you are and what you represent is important, but also making sure that you understand — this is my time to leave a bit of yourself and part of that legacy. I think that’s important to me too, in terms of that culture. In the end, you’ve got to get out there and play the game.”