Tana Umaga admits he was left “a little bit speechless” after being appointed as an All Blacks assistant coach under Dave Rennie.
The former All Blacks captain was confirmed as defence coach on Tuesday as part of a new-look management team, and said the chance to return to the national setup means everything.
“In terms of the opportunity that’s been given to me, proud is an understatement really,” Umaga said. “To be back part of a team that holds a special place for me and my family … to get back in there is unbelievable really.”
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Umaga, who has been head coach of Moana Pasifika since 2022, revealed the moment he officially signed his contract was far from glamorous.
“I had to get my daughter to help me with this technology. I had my phone, and it’s a DocuSign thing,” he said.
“I was wondering why my finger wasn’t really doing the job in signing my signature, so she told me to use my iPad.
“I thought, ‘Of course, why don’t I just use my iPad with a pen and everything’.”
The 52-year-old, who played 74 Tests for the All Blacks between 1997 and 2005, acknowledged the scale of the task ahead with the 2027 World Cup looming.
“There’s a big job ahead,” he said. “You can’t get away from that. I’ve been fortunate enough to captain this side and that was a big job.
“I had to understand that, and also understand what comes with it – the sacrifices that not just yourself, but your family have to make.
“I’ll go in there with eyes wide open and understanding those pressures.
“I’m fortunate that I’ve felt that pressure before and, understanding that, I know what I’m getting myself into and I’m looking forward to the challenge.”
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Umaga said his discussions with Rennie have so far been brief, with both still focused on current commitments before linking up with the All Blacks in June.
“I think my name was put into a hat, so that’s me putting my hand up,” he said. “Then from that, I think Dave just had his pick of who he wanted to go in with.
“I was fortunate to get a call.”
Photo: Phil Walter/Getty Images
The post Umaga: Unbelievable to be back appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
