All Blacks head of performance Nic Gill leaves role to join Baltimore Ravens

The All Blacks’ head of performance, Nic Gill, is departing the role after more than 20 years with the side to take up a position with NFL side the Baltimore Ravens in April.

Gill is set to become the vice-president of Health and Performance at the Ravens, leading the organisation’s health and performance strategy, spanning medical services, strength and conditioning, sports science, recovery, nutrition, player development, and long-term player availability.

Gill first joined the All Blacks in 2004 as an assistant strength and conditioning coach and gained the role full-time in 2008. He was part of the staff that won two Rugby World Cups, in the process working with some of the country’s modern-day greats.

Gill said it was a difficult decision to move on from a team and sport he is still passionate about, but the time was right for him and his family to move on a new challenge.

We have hired Dr. Nic Gill as our VP of health and performance, to lead integrated efforts across the strength and conditioning, medical, nutrition and sports science teams to optimize player health and performance. pic.twitter.com/6lSioZVXP9

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) March 2, 2026

“I’m deeply grateful for the players and staff I have been lucky enough to work with and call my friends. I wouldn’t be here today without the support of my wife, Mel, and daughters, Olyvia and Grayce. My girls have only known Dad in the All Blacks, so this is a big change for our family.

“Coincidentally, the All Blacks game against South Africa in Baltimore this year would have been my 250th All Blacks test. It is not easy to move on from something that has been such a huge part of my life, but new beginnings brings a time of reflection and I am so grateful for all the opportunities I have had and the great humans I’ve had the privilege to work alongside in the game we all love.”

The announcement comes as New Zealand Rugby is searching for a new head coach following the departure of Scott Robertson in January.

Jamie Joseph and Dave Rennie are the front-runners to replace Robertson and are expected to undertake in-person interviews this week, presenting their respective cases to the full New Zealand Rugby appointment panel.

NZR interim CEO Steve Lancaster said Gill had been instrumental in the success of the All Blacks, including amassing over 240 tests, 200 test wins, two Rugby World Cup titles, and an unbeaten Bledisloe Cup record to his name.

“Nic has given so much to this team and the athletes he has worked with over the years. His commitment to learning and innovation has ensured he has remained at the forefront of athlete performance and contributed significantly to the All Blacks’ success over the last two decades.

“On behalf of New Zealand Rugby, I would like to thank Gilly for the sacrifices, dedication and expertise he has given over the years. We wish him well for this exciting next step in his career.”