Former All Blacks captain Tana Umaga is a contender to be named as one of Dave Rennie’s assistant coaches, possibly on defence. 

The Moana Pasifika mentor would replace Tamati Ellison. 

Newstalk ZB’s voice of rugby, Elliott Smith told Ryan Bridge it’s not really a surprise.  

He says he’s got a strong connection to Rennie, having played under him for Wellington and the NPC going back 25 years. 

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