Rugby: Super coach signs for two more years

Chiefs coach Dave Rennie, pictured with Tauranga Boys' College First XV captain Connor Fifita, will lead the Chiefs for another two years. Photo / File

Chiefs head coach Dave Rennie has extended his contract with New Zealand Rugby and the Chiefs to lead the team for another two years.

Rennie has had a successful three years at the Chiefs, taking them to their first Super Rugby title in 2012 in his first year. They repeated that feat the following year and made the play-offs last year.

New Zealand Rugby chief Steve Tew said retaining coaches of the calibre of Rennie was a top priority. "Dave is a world-class coach and the results on the field speak for themselves. He enjoys huge respect from players and fans, and right across the rugby community so to be able to call on his services for another three years is great news for the game."

Seven new Chiefs have pulled on the All Blacks jersey during Rennie's time with the side and another two earned recalls. He has also introduced 39 new players to the Chiefs.

"To keep producing winning All Blacks teams we need the other levels of the game to be firing on all cylinders and it's coaches like Dave that make a huge contribution to our continued success," said Tew.

Chiefs chief executive Andrew Flexman said Rennie's re-signing to 2017 provides great continuity for the club, players, fans and stakeholders.

"Dave is a great man who has made a big difference to our organisation since he joined in 2012 and we have absolute confidence that he will continue to drive strong results for the Chiefs. He also has a great understanding of the people in our communities which is a really important part of who we are. We believe Dave is the best placed to deliver on our goals of winning Super Rugby titles and unifying and inspiring the people we represent."

Rennie said he gets to work with highly motivated people who have very high expectations.

"It makes every day a challenge and I love that about my job. It was a pretty easy decision really," he said. "It's been an amazing three years and I am fortunate to be part of such a fantastic rugby community. As an organisation we've made some massive shifts, have a fantastic facility and outstanding young men coming through. I'm keen to be part of their ongoing development."