Brian McClennan

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Brian McClennan is coach of the New Zealand rugby league team (known as the Kiwis).

He is the son of former St Helens coach Mike McClennan.

McClennan had previously coached the Hibiscus Coast Raiders and Mt Albert Lions to championships in the Bartercard Cup and was assistant coach for the Kiwis under Daniel Anderson.

Despite this, his appointment in June 2005 as national coach of New Zealand was controversial, mainly because he had no top-level experience in Australia or Great Britain. However, he led New Zealand to an upset triumph in the 2005 Gillette Rugby League Tri-Nations series. New Zealand won the series final against Australia 24-0 at Elland Road, England. It was Australia's first defeat in a series or tournament since 1978.

In 2006 he coached the Auckland Lions to the minor premiership in the Bartercard Cup. However the Kiwis lost both mid-season tests to the Kangaroos and Lions.

Preceded by:
Daniel Anderson
2004-2005
Coach
New Zealand Kiwis

2005-
Succeeded by:
Incumbent