Ian Foster has reportedly been told by senior New Zealand Rugby officials to resign if the All Blacks fail to show any “definitive improvements” against the Springboks.
On the back of a historic series loss to Ireland and four defeats in the All Blacks’ past five Tests, Foster faces the arduous task of turning their form around in two successive matches against the Boks in the Republic.
Foster himself has come under scrutiny and post-Ireland series review saw two of his assistant coaches – John Plumtree and Brad Mooar – sacked, with Crusaders assistant Jason Ryan subsequently appointed as Plumtree’s replacement.
Adding to the fire is that New Zealand Rugby have refused to back Foster beyond the two Rugby Championship Tests in South Africa.
According to a report in the New Zealand Herald, NZR chief executive Mark Robinson held a tense meeting with Foster after the series against Ireland. Foster was reportedly told during the meeting that if performances and results don’t improve in South Africa, he will be expected to fall on his sword and resign.
However, it is believed that Foster responded by saying that if NZR want him out, they will have to sack him.
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Part of NZR’s desire for Foster to resign is a reluctance to incur any more costs from contract terminations. New Zealand have already spent around NZ$400 000 (R4m) to bring Mooar back from Welsh club Scarlets.
At the behest of Foster, Mooar and Plumtree were appointed on two-year contracts at around NZ$500 000 (R5m) which, when they were fired, still had 18 months remaining.
According to the New Zealand Herald, terminating Foster – who is believed to be on NZ$1 million (R10m) per year – and his coaching team’s contracts could cost New Zealand Rugby in excess of NZ$3 million (R30m).
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