Rugby: Rennie remains set for overseas stint

Chiefs coach Dave Rennie. Picture / Christine Cornege

Chiefs coach Dave Rennie has reiterated his intention to head offshore after Steve Hansen earlier in the week extended his All Blacks contract through 2019.

Rennie is seen by many as a future All Blacks coach but, with that post always likely to be occupied until the next Rugby World Cup, has long planned an overseas stint once his contract with the Chiefs expires following next season.

There's a possibility Rennie might remain with the franchise he has guided to a pair of Super Rugby titles but he ruled out the possibility of working under Hansen.

"I don't see myself doing an assistant role," Rennie said. "If I stayed in New Zealand I'd stay with the Chiefs."

But the smart money is on Rennie broadening his horizons. He has long expressed a desire to experience a new culture and further himself as a coach, with Hansen's recommitment fait acompli for some time.

"I think it's a good move by New Zealand [Rugby], he's a good coach, been really successful, and why would you push someone out the door whose doing such a good job," Rennie said. "Who knows, he may stay here till '23 or '27. There's only one job and there's a lot of people who probably want it.

"I'm not sure that everyone will wait around for it, and maybe a bit of luck about timing, if you're around and available when it becomes available.

"Nothing changes from my point of view. I've talked a lot about planning to head overseas at some stage. Anyway, the focus is on the Chiefs at the moment, and I'll worry about that stuff maybe next year."