EXCLUSIVE - World Cup-winning All Black to replace Rennie at Kobe

World Cup-winning All Black Andy Ellis is set to replace new All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie at League One champions Kobe Steelers, RugbyJP.com can exclusively reveal.

The 2011 World Cup winner, who kicked the ball out to seal the All Blacks’ 8-7 win over France as the hosts lifted the Webb Ellis trophy for the second time, spent six years playing for the Japanese side from 2014 to 2020 and was part of their Top League championship win in 2018 under Dave Dillon.

© JRLO

Ellis, 42, was named in the Top League team of the season in his final year in Japan as Dan Carter scooped the MVP award following their 55-5 win over Matt Giteau’s Suntory Sungoliath in the final. 

The former Crusaders scrum-half worked as an advisor the club following his 2020 departure to join then-Major League Rugby side Rugby New York and called time on his playing career in 2022.

Kobe’s former co-captain, who is held in great esteem in Hyōgo Prefecture, has been as a broadcaster in his homeland and this surprise appointment will be his first coaching role.

Two-time Rugby Championship winner Ellis will be supported by the club’s long-time ambassador and former General Director Sir Wayne Smith who is expected to have a more hands-on role next season to help ensure a smooth transition. 

© Kobe Steelers

Smith, who has previously called Ellis one of the best players he’s coached, is understood to have endorsed his former scrum-half's credentials to Kobe’s hierarchy.

The 28-cap All Black won honours all over the world as a player at club and international level and will be keen to build on the excellent work of Rennie as they aim to defend their first League One crown next season.

Rennie’s side defeated Kubota Spears 22-13 in Sunday’s final in front of over 50,000 fans at the MUFG Stadium (National Stadium) in Tokyo.

Kobe’s talismanic captain Brodie Retallick, 35, who his former Chiefs head coach wants to return to the All Blacks fold, will be staying in Kobe while compatriots Ardie Savea and Anton Lienert-Brown have both returned to New Zealand to chase World Cup glory next year.

Incoming Ellis will therefore have two marquee Category C spots (Test players for a country other than Japan) to fill during the off season.

Kobe are yet to officially announce Rennie’s successor and their new coaching line-up.

Stay tuned to RugbyJP.com for on-site coverage from Japan Rugby League One