Former test lock Bryn Evans joins All Blacks as specialist lineout coach
Bryn Evans last played for the Highlanders three years ago.
Photo:
TREVOR COLLENS/AAP
Former test lock Bryn Evans will join the All Blacks coaching team for 2025, as a specialist lineout coach.
Just three years after retiring as a professional player, Evans has been rewarded for his contributions as an assistant coach at the Hurricanes and Hawke's Bay.
He will join the All Blacks for their full 13-test calendar this year, before rejoining the Hurricanes for their 2026 campaign.
All Blacks forward coach Jason Ryan said he and head coach Scott Robertson had been impressed by Evans' methods, which would provide a "point of difference".
"He brings a unique skillset with his work with the Hurricanes and Hawke's Bay," Ryan said of Evans, 40.
Bryn Evans debuts for the All Blacks against France.
Photo:
Simon Watts/Photosport
"What I like is he's got a lateral thinking ability about him. He's an ex-lineout caller, and he had 12-plus years playing in the UK and France, which gives him a broad range of experience and an understanding of the northern hemisphere approach.
"It's going to be a good complement for us. Bryn brings a skillset that I haven't got in terms of how they call lineouts, what pictures they see.
"We believe it's a real point of difference having him, and making sure our skills are dialled in and leading the way in that area.
"We believe having Bryn in this space, analysing us and the opposition, is just what we need."
Evans played twice for New Zealand, coming off the bench in home tests against France in 2009.
Meanwhile, in-form midfield back Peter Umaga-Jensen has announced he will leave the Super Rugby Pacific team with a year to run on his contract to take up a club deal in Japan.
Peter Umaga-Jensen played one test for the All Blacks against Australia.
Photo:
John Cowpland/Actionpress
The attack-minded Wellington provincial player debuted for the Hurricanes in 2018, going on to make 54 appearances in a tenure spoiled by injury.
His only test appearance came off the bench against Australia in 2020, but he was unable to remain near the front of a logjam of contenders after that.
Umaga-Jensen, 27, finished the current season on a high, scoring two tries in a final-round hammering of Moana Pasifika, including a brilliant 50m solo score.
"I started here as a young fella chasing a dream and it's been an incredible ride ever since," he said. "I've made memories that will stay with me forever and built lifelong friendships that I'll always treasure.
"One day, I hope I'll be sitting down with all the boys, sharing a beer and a laugh, as we look back on everything we experienced together."
Umaga-Jensen has not disclosed which Japanese club he will join nor the length of his contract.
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