Ian Foster, the former All Blacks head coach, has shared his experiences in his new book *Leading Under Pressure: My Story*. The book chronicles the challenges he faced during his tenure, including strained relationships with New Zealand Rugby (NZR) leadership, media scrutiny, and the immense pressure of coaching one of the world's most iconic rugby teams. ### A Tumultuous Tenure Foster took over as All Blacks head coach in 2019, inheriting a team that had just lost the 2019 Rugby World Cup. His time in charge was marked by a series of challenges that tested his leadership and resilience: 1. **Lack of Contract Clarity**: One of the most surprising revelations in the book is that just hours before his first test as All Blacks coach, Foster was informed that decisions about his and his coaching staff’s contracts would not be made until December 2020. This lack of clarity created an environment of uncertainty, which Foster found deeply unsettling. 2. **Strained Relationships with NZR**: Foster described his relationship with New Zealand Rugby CEO Mark Robinson and others in the organization as increasingly strained. He noted that NZR seemed to be driven by media and public opinion rather than a clear, strategic vision for the team. After the All Blacks’ loss to Ireland in 2022, Foster was visited at home by Robinson and NZR’s professional rugby general manager, Chris Lendrum. The meeting, he said, felt more like an HR review than a collaborative discussion about the team’s future. 3. **Media Pressure and Misunderstandings**: Foster felt that the media, including the author of this article, was often used as a tool by NZR to pressure him and the coaching staff. He recounted being asked to call the author to warn him about future articles, even though Foster had no involvement in the content. This only deepened the sense of alienation he felt from NZR. 4. **The 2021 Tour Debacle**: The 2021 All Blacks tour, which saw the team play 10 tests over 15 weeks, was a particularly grueling period. Foster made the difficult decision to prioritize player welfare over results, a choice that was later criticized in the media. However, through his perspective, the logistical challenges, the stress of being locked out of New Zealand during the pandemic, and the quality of opposition (including Ireland and France) painted a more complex picture of the tour’s difficulties. 5. **Resilience and Redemption**: Despite the challenges, Foster remained focused on the team’s performance. He was determined to lead the All Blacks to success at the 2023 Rugby World Cup. The book details his efforts to maintain team morale and unity, even in the face of personal disappointment when he was replaced by Scott Robertson in March 2023. Foster’s decision to stay professional and ensure the team was ready for the World Cup was a testament to his commitment to the players and the institution. ### Respect from Players and Colleagues Foster’s leadership was not without its supporters. The book includes testimonials from key players like Beauden Barrett, Ardie Savea, and Aaron Smith, who spoke highly of his coaching style and the respect he commanded. This respect was built on his ability to connect with players on a personal level and his strategic approach to the game. Foster is not a charismatic showman in the traditional sense, but his strength lies in his authenticity and his ability to build rapport through one-on-one interactions. His understated wit and genuine connection with players helped him earn their trust and loyalty, even during the most challenging times. ### A Legacy of Integrity In the epilogue of *Leading Under Pressure*, Foster reflects on his time with the All Blacks. He emphasizes that as a coach, he must live up to the same standards he expects from his players. His focus was always on doing what he said he would do, and he takes pride in the fact that the team and staff saw his commitment to that principle. Foster’s book is not just a personal memoir; it is also a reflection on the challenges of coaching at the highest level. If his experiences lead to a stronger, more aligned New Zealand Rugby organization, he would consider it a success. Though his tenure as All Blacks head coach has ended, the lessons he learned and the respect he earned will continue to shape the legacy of one of rugby’s most respected coaches.