Two Hutt Valley boys, one All Blacks coaching box: Wellington roots run deep
There is something special about rugby connections that come full circle. For Dave Rennie and Tana Umaga that connection begins in the Hutt Valley, a place that has produced generations of rugby players, coaches and leaders.
Now two locals will share the All Blacks coaching box when the team returns to Wellington for the second home Test of the Nations Championship on Saturday 11 July.
One grew up in Upper Hutt, the other in Wainuiomata. Both built careers shaped by rugby, community and people who helped them along the way.
Dave Rennie: a journey that started in Upper Hutt
Rennie was born in Upper Hutt. His mother is from Titikaveka in Rarotonga, which makes him the first All Blacks head coach with Pasifika heritage.
Rennie’s rugby journey began close to home.
He attended Heretaunga College, played club rugby for Upper Hutt and went on to represent the Wellington Lions 58 times, including as part of the side that won the 1986 NPC title.
A shoulder injury brought his playing career to an early end, but it opened the door to a coaching journey that would eventually take him around the world.
From coaching in Manawatū to leading the New Zealand Under 20s to three consecutive World Rugby U20 Championship titles, Rennie built a reputation as a coach who develops teams, creates strong environments and gets the best out of players.
He went on to guide the Chiefs to back-to-back Super Rugby titles in 2012 and 2013 before departing for Glasgow Warriors. He then made the step up to international rugby with the Wallabies before most recently leading the Kobelco Kobe Steelers to a Championship victory before returning home for his latest challenge.
In March 2026, New Zealand Rugby appointed Rennie as All Blacks Head Coach through to the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
His second home Test in charge will come in Wellington vs Italy, a return to where the journey began.
Dave Rennie: First Interview as All Blacks Head Coach
In his first in-depth interview since becoming All Blacks Head Coach, Dave Rennie reflects on the journey that led him to rugby’s most iconic role. Rennie speaks about the responsibility of leading the All Blacks, the style of play he believes in, and the standards he expects from the team.
All Blacks v Italy Official Match Tickets
Do not miss out on this cruicial Nations Championship clash between the All Blacks and Italy in Wellington on 11 July 2026. Kids tickets are just $30 with adults tickets from just $53.
Tana Umaga, Lower Hutt out, Lower Hutt in
Born in Lower Hutt, Umaga came through Wainuiomata rugby before establishing himself as one of the most respected players of his generation.
He played 100 games for Wellington, 122 for the Hurricanes and 74 Tests for the All Blacks, captaining the team 21 times during his international career.
After moving into coaching, Umaga continued to make his mark, coaching in France for Toulon, Counties Manukau, where he helped guide the side to its first Ranfurly Shield, then head coach of the Blues, and most recently Moana Pasifika, helping develop players from Tonga and Samoa.
Now he returns to the All Blacks environment as Defence Coach, bringing vast experience from both sides of the game — as a player who wore the black jersey with distinction and as a coach who understands the demands of Test rugby.
Watch Now: First Interview with Defence Coach Faʻalogo Tana Umaga
Faʻalogo Tana Umaga sits down for his first extended interview since his appointment as All Blacks Assistant Coach, speaking candidly about the honour of returning to the black jersey in a new role and what the opportunity means to him personally.
Wellington's big All Blacks Test match
The city Wellington has produced two of the current All Blacks coaches and has contributed 14 players to the first squad of 2026. The city is now set to host Italy for the very first time.
Two boys from Upper and Lower Hutt are in the coaching box and a squad with local roots is in the changing room. This is a moment not to be missed. For the family, for the connection, aned hopefully for an All Blacks win.
Be there at Hnry Stadium in Wellington as the All Blacks take on Italy in the Nations Championship.
Tickets are selling fast - do not miss out, secure your tickets now!
Wellington linked players in the current All Blacks squad
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Watch Now: Wainuiomata Rugby Football Club, Wellington (2022)
Club Captain, Moana Kuma, tells us about the club's rich culture and welcoming access for all members of their community.
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