Brad Mooar has admitted he was given an offer too good to refuse after confirming he will leave the Scarlets at the end of the season to coach the All Blacks.
The region’s head coach will return to New Zealand to become their attack coach – reducing his stay in west Wales to just one fleeting season.
Mooar, who only took over from fellow Kiwi Wayne Pivac at Parc y Scarlets at the start of this season, will join Ian Foster’s staff in a new-look coaching team.
A compensation package – worth around £200,000 – has been agreed after the Scarlets made an early decision not to oppose their coach’s wishes to answer the call from his country. A week ago, Mooar said he felt “torn” between the options of leaving early or staying with his employers.
New Zealand rugby officials have also agreed to explore partnership opportunities between themselves and the Scarlets as part of the deal for allowing Mooar to arrange a departure just six months into a three-year contract.
“To be joining the All Blacks coaching staff next year is an incredibly humbling and proud moment for my family and me,” said Mooar.
“The opportunity to help coach your country comes around very rarely, so I would like to thank the Scarlets for allowing me to join the All Blacks.
“Similarly, I’d like to thank Ian Foster and NZR not only for this opportunity but also to finish this season with the Scarlets. The support I have had from both sides of the world has been amazing.
“The Scarlets players, staff, fans and board have all been superb and it is hugely appreciated by my family and me. I will continue to give it my all with this special group of people at the Scarlets this season to help us achieve our goals before we head back to New Zealand to join Fozzie and the All Blacks.”
NEWS | Brad Mooar to take up coaching role with All Blacks at end of 2019-20 season
NEWYDDION | Brad Mooar wedi derbyn rôl hyfforddi gyda’r Crysau Duon
Full statement 👉 https://t.co/oO81H4Co3I pic.twitter.com/5OWH5Izkvz
— Scarlets Rugby (@scarlets_rugby) December 24, 2019
Scarlets general manager of rugby Jon Daniels said: “Obviously, when we recruited Brad we both had a long-term plan for the region. Brad’s stay here will be brief, but he and the rest of the coaching staff have set us on a path and the next head coach will help us continue on that journey.
“We recognise that being part of the All Blacks coaching team is a huge opportunity for him. Our discussions with New Zealand Rugby have been extremely positive and we are grateful for their co-operation during the talks we have had.
“In terms of replacing Brad, we have already had a number of high-quality candidates express an interest in the role and as we have done in the past, we will conduct a thorough process to ensure we recruit the right man for the job once again.
New Zealand head of professional rugby Chris Lendrum said: “We’re pleased to announce that we have reached an agreement with Scarlets which will see Brad return to New Zealand in June at the conclusion of the club’s European competitions.
“We’d like to thank Scarlets for the positive, constructive and efficient approach they have taken around these discussions. We recognise the difficult position it put the club in, but they, like us, also recognised that it was a fantastic opportunity for Brad – the chance to coach his country.”
All Blacks head coach Ian Foster said: “We’re delighted to have Brad confirmed to join us. I know the new coaching group is excited and keen to get into their work next season and we’ll look forward to welcoming Brad in following his commitments with Scarlets.
“On behalf of the All Blacks, I’d also like to thank Scarlets for their understanding around Brad’s release. It is very much appreciated.”
