Dave Rennie has bolstered his coaching group ahead of the Greatest Rivalry Tour of South Africa by recalling Tamati Ellison, the Maori All Blacks head coach who departed the All Blacks setup in March 2026.
Ellison, 43, served under Scott Robertson as skills coach before transitioning to the defence brief during the 2025 season. His return to the wider All Blacks environment comes just months after NZR concluded its head coach appointment process, which saw him exit alongside Scott Hansen and Bryn Evans.
His specific role on tour has not been confirmed, though he brings experience across defence, skills, and head coaching functions. Ellison is already contracted to join Jason Holland's Blues as an assistant for the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season.
He joins a coaching staff that includes senior assistant Neil Barnes, forwards coach Jason Ryan, defence coach Tana Umaga, attack coach Mike Blair, skill acquisition coach Euan Mackintosh, selector Sir Graham Henry, and mental skills coach Gilbert Enoka.
Ellison's inclusion signals Rennie's intent to leave nothing to chance on what shapes up as a demanding seven-week tour of South Africa.