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Tamati Ellison, an assistant for the Crusaders, joins Razor’s All Blacks team

In an effort to round out his management group, new All Blacks coach Scott Robertson has once again examined the Crusaders.

Tamati Ellison, an assistant coach whom Robertson hired in 2021 as head coach of the Crusaders, is now a contact skills coach for his All Blacks squad.

Ellison, who is expected to become the head coach of the Crusaders in the future, will stay on as an assistant coach for the current Super Rugby champions under head coach Rob Penney.

In contrast, Scott Hansen left the Crusaders this year in order to join Robertson’s squad prior to his first season as head coach of the national team.

In completing Robertson’s roster, New Zealand Rugby also announced on Thursday that “Razor” had selected veteran Crusaders physician Martin Swan from the Christchurch-based team.

The Crusaders are reportedly planning to announce his replacement in the upcoming year.

Seven people from the Ian Foster era make up Robertson’s 2024 management group; eight have worked with senior international teams; and eleven came from Super Rugby Pacific management positions in 2023.

“We firmly believe that these are the best individuals to carry on and further enhance the All Blacks’ legacy in the years to come,” said Chris Lendrum, general manager of professional rugby at NZR, in a statement.

We are eager to see what this group can accomplish because we have worked closely with Scott and his team to create some new roles.

Ellison, a four-test All Black, will work with fellow assistant coaches Jason Holland (backs), Jason Ryan (forwards), Leon MacDonald (attack), and Hansen (defence) in concentrating on the tackle and breakdown areas in his new role.

Wayne Smith, a former coach of the Crusaders, All Blacks, and Black Ferns, will provide performance coaching for this group.

The team manager is Paul McLaughlan, a former police sergeant who has overseen the Wallabies and Highlanders, as was previously reported.

Known by most as “Moose,” he played for the Otago NPC and age group teams for multiple seasons in addition to spending five years with the New Zealand under-20 team.

Megan Compain will join McLaughlan in a senior management capacity after being appointed as the team’s new Commercial Manager.

Consultant psychiatrist Ceri Evans assumes the position of head of mental performance and leadership. The ex-All White, who has played for NBA and Formula One teams in addition to the All Blacks since 2010, brings a wealth of high performance experience to the table.

In a statement, Roberston said, “I’d like to welcome everyone to what is a special team of highly skilled individuals.”

“I’m proud of the group we have put together, and it is truly an honor to represent our nation. They all bring a great deal of expertise and are masters in their fields.

“I am aware of the effort each person has put in and will put forth as we prepare for our first season together. Our main goal is to uphold the incredible legacy of the jersey and wear it with pride.

Scott Robertson (Head Coach)

Jason Ryan (Assistant Coach – Forwards)

Leon MacDonald (Assistant Coach – Attack)

Scott Hansen (Assistant Coach – Defence)

Jason Holland (Assistant Coach – Backs)

Tamati Ellison (Contact Skills Coach)

Wayne Smith (Performance Coach)

Jamie Hamilton (Head Performance Analyst)

Leon MacDonald, left, and Scott Robertson will work together again with the All Blacks.

“It is a real privilege to represent our country, and I’m proud of the group that we have assembled. They are all at the top of their craft and bring some incredible expertise with them.

“I know how hard each person has been working, and will continue to work, as we build towards our first season together. A massive focus for us is to do the jersey proud and build on an amazing legacy.”