Sevu Reece, a winger originally from Fiji, is savoring his experience with the All Blacks under the guidance of head coach Scott Robertson and a fresh group of coaching staff. Robertson succeeded Ian Foster after last year’s Rugby World Cup in France. While forwards coach Jason Ryan has retained his role from Foster’s team, the remaining coaching group consists of new additions.
Joining Robertson and Ryan are Jason Holland, who is responsible for backs; Leon MacDonald, overseeing attack; Scott Hansen, in charge of defense; and Tamati Ellison, a former Crusaders assistant, who is focusing on contact skills. Additionally, experienced coach Wayne Smith is providing support as a performance coach.
Reece was sidelined for the entirety of the 2023 Test season due to an ACL injury but made a strong comeback with the Crusaders in Super Rugby Pacific. Despite an overall challenging season for the team in Christchurch, Reece emerged as one of the top scorers in the tournament.
Looking ahead to the 2024 international season, the 26-Test All Black expressed his enthusiasm for collaborating with the new coaching staff. He noted, “I’ve been fortunate enough to work with all of these coaches here, and it’s very exciting times for New Zealand rugby.” He praised the coaching team’s integrity and the depth of talent in the squad, which he believes poses significant challenges for each individual.
Reece is competing for a spot as one of four wingers in the All Blacks’ lineup, alongside Mark Tele’a, Caleb Clarke, and Emoni Narawa, and remarked on the fierce competition within the ranks. “It’s going to be a good battling camp,” he said, even jokingly considering other positions he might take on, saying, “Half-back, maybe? Funny story, actually.”