Ian Foster

Former All Blacks Head Coach and high-performance leader shaping winning cultures

Overview

Ian Foster is one of New Zealand’s most experienced rugby coaches and high-performance leaders. Best known as Head Coach of the All Blacks from 2020 to 2023, Ian has spent more than two decades operating at the highest levels of international sport. Through leadership under pressure, team culture development and sustained high performance, Ian has helped some of the world’s most successful rugby teams navigate challenges, build resilience and pursue excellence on the global stage.

Who is Ian Foster? Ian Foster has dedicated much of his life to elite rugby, first as a player and later as one of the most respected coaches in the game. A former Waikato representative and Chiefs player, Ian transitioned into coaching and quickly established himself as a strategic thinker and strong people leader. He served as Head Coach of the Chiefs before joining the All Blacks coaching staff in 2012, playing a key role in one of the most successful periods in New Zealand rugby history. After serving as assistant coach during the All Blacks' 2015 Rugby World Cup victory, Ian was appointed Head Coach in 2020 and guided New Zealand through one of the most challenging periods in modern sport, culminating in a Rugby World Cup Final appearance in 2023.

Career Highlights • Head Coach of the All Blacks (2020–2023) • Assistant Coach of the All Blacks (2012–2019) • Rugby World Cup winner as All Blacks Assistant Coach (2015) • Led New Zealand to the Rugby World Cup Final (2023) • Former Head Coach of the Chiefs • Multiple Rugby Championship and Bledisloe Cup titles • More than two decades of elite coaching experience • Widely respected leader in high-performance sport

Key Speaking Themes • High-performance leadership • Building winning cultures • Resilience under pressure • Teamwork and trust • Leading through adversity and change • Sustaining excellence over time

What Your Audience Will Gain

Ian provides audiences with practical insights into what it takes to lead high-performing teams in demanding environments. Audiences gain a deeper understanding of leadership, accountability, trust and resilience, while learning how elite sporting principles can be applied to business, leadership and organisational success. His authentic and relatable style offers valuable lessons for anyone seeking to build stronger teams and achieve consistent results.

Ideal For • Leadership and executive conferences • High-performance team events • Corporate strategy and culture programmes • Sales kick-offs and annual conferences • Sports and performance forums • Business transformation and change initiatives

Frequently Asked Questions...

What does Ian Foster speak about? Ian speaks about leadership, teamwork, resilience, high performance, culture and navigating challenges under pressure.

What is Ian Foster best known for? Ian is best known as the former Head Coach of the All Blacks and for leading New Zealand to the 2023 Rugby World Cup Final.

Was Ian Foster involved in the All Blacks' 2015 Rugby World Cup victory? Yes. Ian served as Assistant Coach during the All Blacks' successful 2015 Rugby World Cup campaign.

What leadership lessons does Ian Foster share? Ian shares practical lessons on building trust, creating accountability, managing pressure and sustaining high performance within teams.

Why is Ian Foster a sought-after keynote speaker? Ian combines decades of elite coaching experience with authentic leadership insights that resonate with leaders, teams and organisations facing their own performance challenges.

Is Ian Foster available for keynote presentations and leadership events? Yes. Ian Foster is available for keynote speaking engagements, leadership programmes and corporate events across New Zealand and internationally.