Foster named ABs assistant

Foster coached the Chiefs in more than 100 Super Rugby matches from 2004 through to this year, taking them to the finals in 2009, and has also co-coached the Junior All Blacks.

Foster will assist newly-appointed head coach Steve Hansen while former fly-half Grant Fox becomes a selector and former provincial coach Brian 'Aussie' McLean will be specialist backs mentor.

"This is a great honour to work with the All Blacks. I'm thankful for the faith that Steve Hansen and the Board have shown in me," he said.

"I think the time I have had with the Chiefs and the Junior All Blacks has given me a taste of coaching at an international level, and this is a huge privilege for me as I look to fill Smithy's (Wayne Smith) big shoes."

Hansen called in Fox as a selector because he is 'not only a legend of our game but also one of the most astute people.'

"I wanted to find someone independent from the team who had the ability to break down a player's game, analyse their strengths and weaknesses and bring a fresh viewpoint to the selection process, and he's that man," added Hansen.

A specialist skills coach has still to be named.