Long-serving All Blacks head trainer Nic Gill has resigned to take up a role with NFL team the Baltimore Ravens.
An announcement from New Zealand this morning said Gill, who has led the All Blacks strength and conditioning programme since 2008, is set to become the Ravens’ vice-president of health and performance, “leading the organisation’s health and performance strategy, spanning medical services, strength and conditioning, sports science, recovery, nutrition, player development, and long-term player availability”.
Gill is the latest high-profile figure to leave NZ Rugby after the resignation of chief executive Mark Robinson in June last year, the dismissal of All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson in January, and the departures of high-performance staff members Mike Anthony and Chris Lendrum.
The organisation is yet to replace Robinson or Robertson, although an announcement on the latter is expected this week. A restructure means NZ Rugby is still looking for a head of high performance and now they are in the market for an experienced head of strength and conditioning.
NZ Rugby interim CEO Steve Lancaster said Gill had been instrumental in the success of the All Blacks. Gill oversaw more than 240 Tests, 200 Test wins, two Rugby World Cup titles, and an unbeaten Bledisloe Cup record.
“Nic has given so much to this team and the athletes he has worked with over the years,” Lancaster said. “His commitment to learning and innovation have ensured he has remained at the forefront of athlete performance and contributed significantly to the All Blacks’ success over the last two decades.
“On behalf of New Zealand Rugby, I would like to thank Gilly for the sacrifices, dedication and expertise he has given over the years. We wish him well for this exciting next step in his career.”
Former All Blacks captain Sam Cane said: “On behalf of all players who have had the privilege of working with him, I’d like to say a massive congratulations on an outstanding career with the All Blacks. His combination of experience, knowledge, care, commitment and work ethic, along with being a top human being, has made him an invaluable part of the All Blacks group.
“Gilly knew when to push you and when to pull back and you always knew he had your best interests at heart. He wanted to help make you the best player you could be. Everyone had complete trust in him.
“He’ll be sorely missed but we thank him and his family for their amazing service to the All Blacks and wish him all the best for the next chapter.”
Gill said it was a difficult decision to move on from a team and sport he is still passionate about, but the time was right for him and his family to move on a new challenge.
“I’m deeply grateful for the players and staff I have been lucky enough to work with and call my friends. I wouldn’t be here today without the support of my wife Mel, and daughters Olyvia and Grayce. My girls have only known Dad in the All Blacks, so this is a big change for our family.
“Coincidentally, the All Blacks game against South Africa in Baltimore this year would have been my 250th All Blacks Test. It is not easy to move on from something that has been such a huge part of my life, but new beginnings bring a time of reflection and I am so grateful for all the opportunities I have had and the great humans I’ve had the privilege to work alongside in the game we all love.”
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