The All Blacks have received a pre-British & Irish Lions tour boost with the news coaches Ian Foster and Mike Cron have signed new deals.
Foster, the All Blacks assistant head coach, and Cron, the forwards coach, have committed to New Zealand Rugby until 2019.
"Ian Foster and Mike Cron continue to make invaluable contributions to the All Blacks and their respective roles in the team's success in recent years can't be underestimated," NZR CEO Steve Tew said. "'Fosie' has lead the team's back play and attack, which was second to none last year, with the All Blacks topping the international try-scoring table with 80 tries, almost double their nearest rival.
"'Cronno' has long been considered the guru of scrum and forward play, and he remains one of the most innovative coaches in the game. His commitment to helping players improve is legendary. We are delighted to both have them re-sign with New Zealand Rugby."