NZRU announce high performance plan

More specialists coaches could be added to the All Blacks after the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) launched a multi-million dollar plan to invest more money in the game.

The NZRU announced in a statement today that $8 million would be funnelled into rugby through a three-year high performance plan with emphasis on more specialists coaches and research and technology.

The plan, which was developed by NZRU high performance manager Mike Chu, was approved by the NZRU board last week.

One of the first initiatives from the plan was the appointment of Mike Cron who worked with the All Blacks and provincial teams on scrummaging technique during the year.

Already the All Blacks have employed at various times this season a line-out coach and kicking trainer to complement head All Blacks coach Graham Henry and his two assistants.

Other specialist coaches and sports science experts will hone specific skills or focus areas including mental preparation, kicking, biomechanics and nutrition.

"We will also look to increase the investment in coach education as well as development programmes for support staff such as referees, trainers, technical analysts and managers," Chu said. "There will also be a greater investment in technology to support the leading coaches, players and management."

"For the first time, we have a long-term outlook on high performance.

"This will help us invest wisely in areas that will create the most impact on our national and professional teams' performances - with the ultimate aim of helping the All Blacks achieve peak performance at the next Rugby World Cup."

Henry described the plan as a breakthrough for New Zealand rugby in terms of cooperation amongst the country's top coaches, and better leverage of the coaching and training expertise available in New Zealand.

In another NZRU announcement today the Junior All Blacks will return to the playing field for the first time since 1984.

The team - which effectively replaces New Zealand A - will be the second national team behind the All Blacks and will have regular annual programmes.

Next year the team will play three matches in Australia in June, one game against the Queensland Reds Super 12 side and two against Australia A.

NZRU deputy chief executive Steve Tew said the All Blacks coaches wanted a national team which would expose more New Zealand players to top-class rugby to prepare them for international matches if injury or form forced changes to the All Blacks squad.

"The feedback we have received is that the Junior All Blacks side would be hugely beneficial in providing players with a stepping stone to the All Blacks. It is important to note that this team will not be an age grade side," he said.

The coaching and management staff for the new team will be appointed in the new year.

- NZPA