“Noting the divergent views as to the best timings for this process and that neither timing window is perfect, out of respect for the people involved, New Zealand Rugby will not be making any further comment after today until a decision has been reached. This will be concluded in the next four to six weeks.
“The current All Blacks coaching and management team, led by Ian Foster, continues to have the full support of New Zealand Rugby through this critical Rugby World Cup year,” the statement ended.
The board of NZR met last week, and discussed the date for the appointment who will lead the All Blacks after the Rugby World Cup.
Incumbent Foster was last week critical of the process, telling the Weekend Herald the decision should be put off until after the World Cup has finished in October.
“Those conversations are best had after a World Cup when everyone is clear and we have the latest data and we know where the team is at and then the board and everyone can make the decision with all the data on the table.
“In the meantime, we have got a management team and a coaching group that is fully committed to one goal, which is the World Cup and not trying to position themselves into where they fit in next year’s regime.”
Dame Patsy said today that ‘no timing is perfect’ while refusing to comment on Foster’s statement.
“We’ve got to weigh up the options and we’ve decided that making the decision now having clarity, getting it behind us so that we can focus on The current team and management and coaching staff and supporting them through Rugby World Cup 23 is our priority.
“We feel that we’re confident that we’ve got a group of potential candidates and we’ll go through the process with that,” she added.
Earlier this month, leading contender for the job Scott Robertson hinted the announcement would be made sooner, rather than after the World Cup.
“It’s one of those times I’m just waiting for NZR to make the announcements really. Like you have conversations in the background, but as an employee and understanding how important you go through clear processes. Hopefully we know in the next few days,” he said at a Crusaders media session in early February.
Foster said he had been “watching this discussion about the All Blacks coaching process play out publicly”.
“I have sat back and looked at a whole lot of views that have been put out there. Some have been frustrating to hear and a particular frustration is that there seems to be a focus on setting timetables based on what some preferred candidates feel is right for them versus potentially what is right for this All Blacks team.”
