Ellison 2nd All Blacks assistant to join Blues
- 4 hours ago
- 2 min read
Former All Black and assistant coach Tamati Ellison will join incoming Blues head coach Jason Holland as his assistant ahead of the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season.
The pair both worked together during Scott Robertson's two-year All Blacks coaching tenure before Holland departed at the end of the 2025 season.
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Ellison, 43 was not retained as an assistant coach when Dave Rennie was appointed new All Blacks coach earlier this year.
A former All Black and Māori All Blacks co-captain, Ellison (Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Mutunga, Ngāti Whakaue) has held coaching roles with the Wellington Lions, Crusaders and All Blacks.
He is also currently head coach of the Māori All Blacks, leading his first game against the Japan XV in Nagoya over the weekend.
As a player, Ellison represented the Blues, Hurricanes, Highlanders and Melbourne Rebels in Super Rugby and played for the All Blacks five times including four Test caps.
Ellison said the opportunity to join the Blues under Holland's leadership was an exciting challenge.
"When the opportunity came to work alongside Jason and be part of what the club is building for the future, it was one that really appealed to me. There is outstanding talent throughout the organisation and a real desire to keep pushing forward.
"I'm looking forward to getting to Auckland, connecting with the players and staff, and helping create an environment where people can perform at their best."
Ellison will formally join the club later this year ahead of the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific campaign, and will continue in his role as head coach of the Māori All Blacks.
