Listen & read
Tana Umaga reveals a pivotal moment in his coaching journey, spurred by Sonny Bill Williams. The new defence coach for the All Blacks shares that Williams pointed out younger players find him intimidating due to his reputation. Umaga joins head coach Dave Rennie's staff ahead of Tests against France, Italy, and Ireland in July, alongside Mike Blair and Neil Barnes.
Umaga, who has 74 Test caps and captained the All Blacks, currently coaches Moana Pasifika. He reflects on his early coaching days, noting a lack of player engagement. “I wondered why,” he admits, recognizing the need to be more accessible. His bond with Williams, who played under him, highlights his evolution in connecting with younger players. Umaga emphasizes that while he carries a strong legacy, he aims to create a welcoming environment for the next generation of rugby talent.
Comments (0)