Rugby Union Today: Ian Foster is the new All Blacks boss

Another busy day in the rugby union game as New Zealand Rugby announced that Ian Foster would be the person to replace Steve Hansen as All Blacks head coach.

What’s on the site

Former All Blacks assistant coach Ian Foster has signed a two-year contract to take charge of the New Zealand national team. Steve Hansen stepped down following the Rugby World Cup and, although Crusaders boss Scott Robertson was in the running, they have opted for Foster.

Elsewhere, analyst Sam Larner returned to Planet Rugby to delve into Gloucester’s talented attack. Although they haven’t quite found their fluency yet this season, there were positive signs against Connacht in the Champions Cup.

Finally, James While spoke to Northampton Saints attack coach Sam Vesty, who has been a big part of the team’s improvement over the past 18 months.

What’s in the news

Tommy Seymour has announced his international retirement, bringing an end to a fine Scotland career which saw him touch down an impressive 20 times in 55 caps.

Meanwhile, Dan Evans has been banned for four weeks after being sent off against Racing 92 on Saturday. The full-back received his marching orders after just 37 seconds for a ‘kung fu’ kick on visiting wing Teddy Thomas.

What’s on social media

Ian Foster’s appointment as All Blacks head coach has not gone down well with many New Zealand supporters, who believe that it is a step backwards.

https://twitter.com/2legit2dunk/status/1204560381521252353

What’s on TV

The Champions Cup continues this weekend and BT Sport will broadcast all the games from Round Four. It is the second part of the double-header as Leinster and Northampton, Munster and Saracens, and Harlequins and Ulster are among those to do battle once again.

Elsewhere, the World Rugby Sevens Series comes from Cape Town this week and that will be shown on Sky Sports.