Following New Zealand Rugby’s announcement that the next All Blacks head coach will be announced in 4-6 weeks, current head coach Ian Foster has made a shock decision.

After standing strong publicly and sharing a desire to hold the job past the 2023 Rugby World Cup, Foster has released a statement this afternoon confirming he won’t be re-applying for the job.

The All Blacks will have a new head coach in 2024 with Foster dropping out of contention.

The Rugby World Cup in France will be Foster’s last ride with the All Blacks after a tumultuous run that began in 2020 after the global pandemic.

Crusaders coach Scott Robertson appears to be among the leading candidates for the position, along with Japan’s Jamie Joseph.

New Zealand Rugby shared Ian Foster’s comments on the appointment process.

“As I said last week, I felt the best thing for our team and for our entire management group was to have this process done after the Rugby World Cup,” Foster said. “That hasn’t happened, but we will accept the decision and move on.

“My sole focus remains unchanged. It is to lead this All Blacks team and management group in our planning and preparation, so that we go to France with the goal of winning the Rugby World Cup and making this country proud.

“I won’t be re-applying for the job of head coach.”

The All Blacks have managed a record of 23 wins, nine losses and two draws under Foster, a win rate of 67.7%. 

A horror run from late 2021 through the 2022 season saw the side win just two from eight consecutive tests. They suffered defeats to France, Ireland, South Africa and Argentina.

Impossible to not smile when looking at this photo ? pic.twitter.com/4ljk6ooc2j

— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) December 30, 2022

However, through the rough run of results, the All Blacks have been able to retain the Bledisloe Cup, the Freedom Cup and have won all the SANZAAR titles in the three years under Foster.