2 Apr 2024

Wallabies grab another All Blacks coach

11:39 am on 2 April 2024
All Blacks' forwards and scrum coach Mike Cron.

Former All Blacks forward coach Mike Cron. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

The Wallabies have signed another former member of the All Blacks coaching staff.

Former All Blacks forwards coach Mike Cron has signed on with Australia Rugby and will assist the Wallabies new head coach Joe Schmidt - the former Ireland head coach and All Blacks assistant coach under Ian Foster.

Cron spent 16 years and more than 200 tests in the All Black environment before stepping away after the World Cup in Japan in 2019.

Cron had been planning to retire after the All Blacks 8-7 win over France at the 2011 World Cup in Auckland but when Steve Hansen took over from Sir Graham Henry has was persuaded to stay on.

In recent years Cron has been a consultant with World Rugby.

Former All Blacks assistant coach Joe Schmidt

Joe Schmidt. Photo: Photosport

"Mike has added tremendous value in every programme he has been involved with and brings a wealth of knowledge to our coaching group," Schmidt said.

The Wallabies first test of the year is against Wales in July.

They will take on the All Blacks in the Rugby Championship but that won't be until late September.

Get the RNZ app

for ad-free news and current affairs

We have regular online commentary of local and international sport.