Rugby: Chiefs lock in assistant coaches

A dry ball and an increased opportunity to unleash their potent backline, including Sonny Bill Williams, are what the Chiefs are looking for in Dunedin. Photo / Getty Images

The Chiefs have confirmed their coaching staff for the next two seasons with Tasman ITM Cup coach Kieran Keane and Canada's national forwards coach Neil Barnes joining head coach Dave Rennie and current assistant Andrew Strawbridge.

Former assistant Tom Coventry has joined London Irish, while Wayne Smith scaled back his involvement with the franchise this year as he returned to helping the All Blacks.

Chiefs chief executive Andrew Flexman said: "We are well aware of the importance of having a world class coaching group to succeed in this competition.

"I have no doubt that our management team for the next few years are capable of continuing the Chiefs legacy of on-field success given the mix of coaching skill-sets and experience they possess."

Chiefs head coach Dave Rennie was happy with his new management team.

"I'm really looking forward to working with KK and Barnsey. They are bloody good men, experienced and innovative coaches who are prepared to challenge and work hard. They'll fit in well here," he said.

Strawbridge extended his contract for two years, which was a simple choice for him.

"I am excited at the prospect of working with two new coaches," he said. "I have worked with them both before and have a lot of respect for them."

Keane is in his seventh season with the Tasman Makos. He led them to an ITM Cup Championship victory and promotion into the Premiership in 2013 and took the side to the ITM Cup Premiership final the following year.

Keane has coached New Zealand age-group teams and the Marlborough and Hawke's Bay provincial sides. He played six matches for the All Blacks in 1979 and also represented Canterbury at first and second five-eighth for 10 seasons.

"I have always had higher coaching aspirations and the Chiefs are an ideal choice for me career and culture wise," he said.

"I was invited up to talk with Dave Rennie and Andrew Strawbridge and see the environment first-hand. I liked what I saw and was impressed by their organisation, coaching staff and values."

Barnes has spent seven years with Canada and toiled away in a thorough coaching apprenticeship. He has won seven club titles with New Plymouth Old Boys, been the assistant coach for the Taranaki provincial side and was the Hurricanes colts assistant coach with Rennie.

The 57-year-old also represented Taranaki for a few matches at lock.

"I have supported the Chiefs since they gave Craig Clarke an opportunity as he was one of my favourite players," he said. "I feel the Chiefs are a good fit for me and I like their style both on and off the field."

Keane will take up his new role at the Chiefs at the conclusion of the ITM Cup. Barnes will link with the Chiefs after his World Cup commitments with Canada. Andrew Strawbridge will reassemble with the Chiefs after working as an assistant coach with Samoa at the World Cup.