Ian Foster will continue to coach the All Blacks until the World Cup in France next year, New Zealand Rugby announced on Wednesday, which has renewed his confidence in him despite his recent poor performance.
Relieved, Foster thanked the federation's board of directors and chief executive Mark Robinson for their "
strong support
".
"
It's a privilege to hold this position, it's never something you take for granted
," he said.
The 57-year-old coach therefore remains in charge of the All Blacks for the next home test against Argentina on August 27 in Christchurch and for the World Cup in France in September 2023.
Stewart Mitchell, chairman of New Zealand Rugby, assured the board still had faith in Foster despite losing three out of five Test matches this year.
“
I definitely want to point out that Ian Foster as head coach and Mark as general manager both have the full support of the board
,” Mitchell said.
Foster was under pressure after back-to-back defeats at home to Ireland last month, followed by a heavy loss to South Africa.
Robinson had thus refused to publicly support Foster, even after the victory of the All Blacks against South Africa on Saturday in Johannesburg.
But Foster held no grudges after this episode.
"
In a way, it's also part of Robo's (Robinson) and Stew's (Mitchell) job to criticize me
," he said.
“
I would prefer not to, but we live in the real world and we are under pressure to perform.
I don't mind
,” he added.
Foster had already received support from players like Ardie Savea and captain Sam Cane following Saturday's victory.
Called to resign in some New Zealand media, Robinson insisted the All Blacks camp remained united.
"
We're really excited about the developments and changes we've seen and some of the adjustments Foster (has made)
," he said.
"
We believe - at board, executive and player group level - that together we support this
."
