Richie McCaw set for bigger All Blacks role ahead of 2027 World Cup

Wednesday, 03 June 2026 at 09:09

bySteven Smith

Richie McCaw's surprise appearance at an All Blacks training session last year has taken on fresh significance following Dave Rennie's appointment as New Zealand head coach.

The two-time Rugby World Cup-winning captain was spotted observing training at the New Zealand Campus of Innovation and Sport in Upper Hutt during the autumn, as the All Blacks prepared for a high-profile clash with South Africa.

At the time, the visit was viewed as a welcome boost for the squad, with McCaw sharing his experience and insights with players ahead of one of the biggest Tests of the season.

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MMidfielder Quinn Tupaea admitted he was slightly overwhelmed by the presence of the 148-test legend.

“You definitely feel it when someone like Richie walks in,” Tupaea said at the time. “I was a bit starstruck, to be honest.”

McCaw's visit came months before New Zealand Rugby's shock decision to part ways with Scott Robertson, a move that paved the way for Rennie's return to the international game.

Now, with Rennie firmly established as All Blacks boss, McCaw's involvement around the national side is again attracting attention.

The pair have long enjoyed a strong relationship through New Zealand rugby, and while McCaw has consistently played down the prospect of taking on a formal coaching role, his influence within the game remains immense.

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Rennie has already moved quickly to reshape the All Blacks' management structure ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Former captain Tana Umaga has returned as defence coach, while ex-Scotland international Mike Blair has been handed responsibility for the attack. Jason Ryan has been retained as forwards coach, with Neil Barnes joining as senior assistant and Phil Healey appointed head of performance.

The new head coach has also welcomed the return of World Cup-winning former All Blacks boss Sir Graham Henry, who has joined the programme as a selector and senior advisor.

With a heavyweight coaching and advisory group now in place, there is no obvious vacancy for McCaw within the setup. However, New Zealand Rugby has long valued the contribution of former players, and few figures command more respect than the former captain.

Whether his role remains an informal one or evolves into something more substantial under Rennie remains to be seen, but McCaw's presence around the squad continues to generate interest as the All Blacks begin a new chapter ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

Rugby World Cup 2027 Full Draw: All Blacks get dream start

The full draw for the Rugby World Cup 2027 has delivered an ideal opening path for the New Zealand national rugby union team, with the three-time champions avoiding many of the tournament’s biggest threats in the early stages.

New Zealand’s favourable pool assignment has sparked excitement among fans and pundits alike, with the All Blacks appearing well placed to build momentum from the outset as they chase a fourth world title in Australia.

Pool A — New Zealand, Australia (H), Chile, Hong Kong China

Group summary

Pool A features tournament hosts Australia and three-time champions New Zealand, making it one of the headline groups of the opening phase. Chile and Hong Kong China will be targeting historic results, while the trans-Tasman clash between Australia and New Zealand is expected to be one of the most watched pool matches of the tournament.

Fixtures

Pool B — South Africa, Italy, Georgia, Romania

Group summary

Defending champions South Africa headline Pool B and begin their campaign against Italy. Georgia continue to establish themselves as a consistent World Cup presence, while Romania return aiming to challenge for third place and possible qualification via rankings.

Fixtures

3 October 2027 — South Africa vs Italy
Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
3 October 2027 — Georgia vs Romania
North Queensland Stadium, Townsville
10 October 2027 — South Africa vs Georgia
Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane
11 October 2027 — Italy vs Romania
Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney
17 October 2027 — Italy vs Georgia
Newcastle Stadium, Newcastle
17 October 2027 — South Africa vs Romania
Perth Stadium, Perth

Pool C — Argentina, Fiji, Spain, Canada

Group summary

Pool C blends South American consistency with Pacific flair. Argentina enter as favourites, while Fiji’s attacking threat makes them dangerous opponents for any side. Spain return to the World Cup looking to make an impact, and Canada continue their rebuilding process.

Fixtures

3 October 2027 — Argentina vs Canada
Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane
4 October 2027 — Fiji vs Spain
Newcastle Stadium, Newcastle
10 October 2027 — Fiji vs Canada
Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
10 October 2027 — Argentina vs Spain
Docklands Stadium, Melbourne
16 October 2027 — Argentina vs Fiji
Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
17 October 2027 — Spain vs Canada
North Queensland Stadium, Townsville

Pool D — Ireland, Scotland, Uruguay, Portugal

Group summary

Ireland and Scotland lead Pool D in what shapes as a tightly contested group. Uruguay and Portugal bring speed and tactical variety, with qualification likely to be decided by fine margins, discipline, and bonus points.

Fixtures

3 October 2027 — Scotland vs Uruguay
Docklands Stadium, Melbourne
4 October 2027 — Ireland vs Portugal
Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney
10 October 2027 — Ireland vs Scotland
Perth Stadium, Perth
11 October 2027 — Uruguay vs Portugal
Newcastle Stadium, Newcastle
17 October 2027 — Ireland vs Uruguay
Docklands Stadium, Melbourne
17 October 2027 — Scotland vs Portugal
Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane

Pool E — France, Japan, United States, Samoa

Group summary

France headline Pool E after reaching the previous final, with Japan expected to challenge strongly for second place. Samoa and the United States provide physicality and athleticism, making this one of the more unpredictable groups.

Fixtures

2 October 2027 — France vs United States
Docklands Stadium, Melbourne
3 October 2027 — Japan vs Samoa
Newcastle Stadium, Newcastle
9 October 2027 — United States vs Samoa
Perth Stadium, Perth
9 October 2027 — France vs Japan
Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane
15 October 2027 — Japan vs United States
Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
17 October 2027 — France vs Samoa
Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney

Pool F — England, Wales, Tonga, Zimbabwe

Group summary

Pool F is defined by the renewed rivalry between England and Wales, who will meet in one of the final pool fixtures in Sydney. Tonga’s physical style and Zimbabwe’s return to the World Cup add further intrigue, with third place potentially enough to reach the knockout stage depending on rankings.