All Blacks coach Ian Foster has re-signed with NZ Rugby until the end of the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.
Foster, 56, has signed a new deal that sees him past his initial two-year tenure, when he replaced Sir Steve Hansen as All Blacks coach, after the 2019 World Cup.
"Firstly, I want to acknowledge the board and NZR for the faith they have shown in reappointing me," Foster says. "It's a privilege to be part of the All Blacks and I don't take that for granted.
"It's clearly been a challenging couple of years with COVID-19, but I've been hugely proud of the resilience shown by the team.
"I'm personally driven to have our team continue to succeed, as we build to Rugby World Cup 2023."
Predecessor Hansen had previously hit out at the delay in reappointing Foster, claiming the uncertainty around the All Blacks coaching future was affecting the team.
Foster's first year as All Blacks coach produced three wins, two losses and one draw from six matches played.
The 2021 season makes for better reading so far - five wins from five outings - with the All Blacks defeating Tonga, Fiji twice and Australia twice to retain the Bledisloe Cup for the 19th consecutive year.
Overall, Foster's record sits at eight wins, two losses and one draw - a 73 percent winning record.
News of Foster's re-signing comes with the All Blacks expected to leave New Zealand for Australia, and confirmation of rescheduled Rugby Championship and Bledisloe Cup fixtures expected on Tuesday.
Foster's re-signing boosts NZ Rugby coaching stocks, after it also sealed the services of Crusaders coach and All Blacks hopeful Scott Robertson through until the end of 2024.
Robertson was Foster's nearest rival to become All Blacks coach and many feared he would be lost to New Zealand, when he missed out.
