New Zealand name Ian Foster as head coach successor to Steve Hansen on a two-year deal

New Zealand have confirmed the appointment of Ian Foster as their new head coach on a two-year deal from 2020.

The 54-year-old succeeds Steve Hansen, who stood down from the role after one final World Cup campaign in Japan, in which the All Blacks came third after a comprehensive semi-final defeat to England.

Foster has served as an assistant head coach for New Zealand since 2012 - working under both Hansen and predecessor Sir Graham Henry during a remarkably successful period - after previously coaching Super Rugby's Chiefs for seven years.

His appointment was decided upon by a panel that included Henry, New Zealand Rugby (NZR) chairman Brent Impey, NZR head of high performance Mike Anthony and High Performance Sport New Zealand director Waimarama Taumaunu.

"The NZR Board has today ratified Ian Foster as the new head coach of the All Blacks from 2020," Impey said in statement.

"He brings world-class international experience to the role, an incredibly strong coaching team, and we think he'll do an outstanding job."

Foster, who featured 148 times for Waikato as a player between 1985-98, added: “I feel truly privileged and honoured to be given this opportunity and I can’t wait to lead the team into the next chapter of what is a remarkable legacy."

Foster's backroom team will consist of four other coaches and is set to be announced in due course.