All Black manager Andrew Martin has resigned from the post, after the New Zealand Rugby Football Union restructured team management.
"The All Blacks will in future use a structure where the head coach will be accountable for all aspects of operations," union acting chief executive Steve Tew said today.
The result of
that change was Martin resigning, Tew said.
All Black coach John Mitchell would report directly to him.
"This is a change in philosophy about the way the All Blacks should be run. The head coach will have all All Blacks coaching, medical, logistics and media staff reporting to him," Tew said in a statement.
"It is unfair to hold the All Blacks coach ultimately accountable for the performance of the team if he is not responsible for all aspects of the side."
Under the new structure the manager's position would focus on logistics and operational detail. This position would be filled before the All Blacks tour to England, France and Wales in November.
Martin had already made all the arrangements for the tour so the new person will have a smooth transition into the role, Tew said.
Tew paid tribute to Martin for his almost three years with the All Blacks.
"He's been acknowledged nationally and internationally that Andrew has helped lift the organisation of the All Blacks to a new level. Many coaches, players and administrators hold Andrew in high regard for his commonsense, competence and professionalism and his commitment to the All Blacks."
"He has been part of the review about the future organisation of the side but does not see a role for himself in the new structure. As a result, he has resigned."
- NZPA
