New Zealand’s outstanding forwards coach Jason Ryan is keeping his eye in during the off-season as he prepares for the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
After being hired in July following the departure of John Plumtree, Ryan has made a massive impact in the All Blacks set-up.
There was an immediate improvement up front as they claimed a Rugby Championship title and ended the season with a seven-match unbeaten run.
They are starting to look like World Cup challengers once again, but Ryan wants to make sure that he is at his best at the global tournament and will use his time to help out at Christchurch school and club teams.
Staying grounded
“I’m going to get right amongst it, get the whistle on and have a few trainings at night, in the wet and in the cold. You can’t forget your roots as a coach,” he told Stuff.
“That’s where I started, so that’s where I will be putting some work in.
“I know I’ve got to stay sharp. Because if I’ve had all this time off and away from the game, it’s not going to bring me in sharp, and I need to be at my absolute best next year.”
Ryan was a key part of the Crusaders revolution, playing a crucial role as Scott Robertson’s men dominated in Super Rugby.
There will be no bias on Ryan’s part, however, and he has had conversations with all the New Zealand Super Rugby franchises heading into the new campaign.
“I think it’s important I speak to all the clubs, there’s not one that’s got to stand out more than the other,” Ryan said.
“I’ve got to be neutral in my thoughts, I’ve got to be really clear on what we need as an All Black forward pack, and a part of that is talking to all the Super Rugby clubs.”
Scott Robertson links
Ryan came in at a time when Ian Foster’s job was under severe pressure, with Robertson being lined up to replace him.
The forwards coach would have no doubt enjoyed reuniting with the 48-year-old, but Ryan once again remained neutral.
“I didn’t read any of it,” he added.
“I was just like, ‘I’ve got to go in and support the coaching and management team, be honest with the players and do my job’.
“That’s what I wrote down – ‘do your own job’ – I couldn’t afford to be looking at noises or anything like that…I just had to get stuck in.
“But you can’t stand still. You can never be satisfied when you are in the All Blacks. It never finishes.”
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