Gilbert Enoka Returns to All Blacks Management Under Dave Rennie

New Zealand Rugby has confirmed the final composition of the All Blacks management group under head coach Dave Rennie, marking the return of two long-serving figures to the coaching setup.

Gilbert Enoka will resume his role as Leadership and Mental Performance Coach, bringing back over two decades of experience with the national team. Enoka previously served as the All Blacks’ mental skills coach and manager of leadership for 23 years, beginning in 2000, and was involved in more than 300 Test matches during his tenure.

Dr James McGarvey will also return to the All Blacks setup, resuming his position as Team Doctor. McGarvey previously held the role between 2020 and 2023 and has maintained a working relationship with Rennie that dates back to their time with the New Zealand Under-20s in 2010 and continued through his tenure with the Chiefs from 2012.

The return of Enoka and McGarvey coincides with the departure of two senior members from the previous management group. Dr Ceri Evans, who began consulting with the All Blacks in 2010, is leaving the team after contributing to the setup for over a decade. Dr Martin Swan, who served as Team Doctor for the last two seasons, is also departing the management group.

Rennie acknowledged the significant contributions of the departing staff, particularly highlighting Evans’ impact on the team’s high-performance culture. “I want to firstly acknowledge the important contribution that Dr Ceri Evans has made to the team over the last two decades. His breadth of experience and expertise in the field of high-pressure performance is world-class and the legacy he leaves is significant,” Rennie said.

Speaking on the value of Enoka’s return, Rennie emphasized the importance of his experience ahead of upcoming international commitments. “We are excited to welcome Gilbert Enoka back into the All Blacks. With two intense seasons ahead of us, including this year’s extended tour of South Africa and the 2027 Rugby World Cup, we believe the experience, deep understanding of the environment, and connection that Gilbert brings will be of huge value,” Rennie stated.

Enoka, who was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) for his services to rugby, most recently worked with the England cricket team and Chelsea Football Club in short-term consultancy roles before returning to the All Blacks setup. His reappointment comes as Rennie finalizes his management structure for the upcoming season, which includes preparation for the Greatest Rivalry tour to South Africa and the build-up to the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

The confirmed management group now reflects a blend of continuity and renewal, with Rennie integrating familiar voices from the All Blacks’ recent past while shaping a forward-looking coaching team aimed at sustaining the side’s performance at the highest level.