Champions Kobe confirm World Cup winner as Dave Rennie’s successor
- 267
League One champions Kobe Steelers have today confirmed the appointment of World Cup-winning All Black Andy Ellis as former head coach Dave Rennie’s successor in Hyogo.
RugbyJP.com first heard that Ellis, 42, was being lined up for the job in April following the announcement of Rennie’s appointment as the new All Blacks head coach in March.
The 2011 World Cup winner, who kicked the ball out to seal the All Blacks’ 8-7 win over France as the hosts lifted the Webb Ellis trophy for the second time, spent six years playing for the Japanese side from 2014 to 2020 and was part of their Top League championship win in 2018 under Dave Dillon.
Ellis, who we understand will be unveiled in-person to the media next week, will be mentored by his former coach and fellow ex-New Zealand international Sir Wayne Smith who was instrumental in recruiting the former Crusaders scrum-half.
The Christchurch native was named in the Top League team of the season in 2020 - his final year in Japan - as Dan Carter scooped the MVP award following their 55-5 win over Matt Giteau’s Suntory Sungoliath in the final.
Ellis departed to join then-Major League Rugby side Rugby New York and called time on his playing career in 2022.
Kobe’s former co-captain, who is held in great esteem in Hyogo Prefecture, has worked as a broadcaster in his homeland and this appointment will be his first senior coaching role.
Two-time Rugby Championship winner Ellis said: “My primary experience to date has come from leadership roles I've played for various teams, often as a player-coach, leading the team while playing
"The high-performance environments I've built and the experience I've gained from learning from great coaches form the foundation of my coaching style and how I move the team forward. I value hard work, effort, attitude, and the joy of rugby, along with great compassion.
Rennie’s side defeated Kubota Spears 22-13 in the final in June in front of over 50,000 fans at the MUFG Stadium (National Stadium) in Tokyo.
The first-time League One champions have already announced the arrivals of Springboks scrum-half Grant Williams and ex-All Blacks centre George Bridge to fill the Category C spots vacated by Ardie Savea and Anton Lienert-Brown who have both returned to New Zealand.
Club captain and League One MVP Brodie Retallick will remain with the club for the 2026/2027 campaign and is the third and final Category C player (capped by a country other Japan) on their books.
"I am looking forward to working with the incredible group at Kobe, Players, Management and an exciting young coaching group lead by the legend Wayne Smith."
Kobe’s long-time ambassador and ex-General Director Smith, who has previously called Ellis one of the best players he’s coached, will have a more hands-on role next season to help ensure a smooth transition.
Ellis, a 28-cap All Black, will be keen to build on the excellent work of Rennie as they aim to defend their first League One crown next season.
