Rugby-All Blacks lock in assistant coaches until 2019 World Cup

WELLINGTON, May 23 (Reuters) - All Blacks assistant coaches Ian Foster and Mike Cron have re-signed with New Zealand Rugby (NZR) through the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.

Head coach Steve Hansen, who re-signed with NZR last year until early 2020, was pleased Foster and Cron were staying with the All Blacks, particularly since defence coach Wayne Smith said last week he would step down after this year's Rugby Championship.

Hansen said in a statement that Foster's re-signing was "great news".

"He's been an integral member of the All Blacks coaching and management group over the last five years and he brings a lot of composure, rugby nous and intellect to the team.

"To know that he's continuing through to the end of the Rugby World Cup in 2019 is fantastic."

Cron, whose innovative techniques in drawing skills from other sports, is widely acknowledged as having turned around the All Blacks set piece, particularly in the scrum.

"He's never stopped growing as a coach, he's never stopped learning and he constantly stimulates the players with what he brings to the table," Hansen said.

"It's also fantastic to have him re-sign through to the next World Cup."

(Reporting by Greg Stutchbury; Editing by Peter Rutherford)