All Blacks hold onto mind master

NZR CEO Steve Tew said Enoka, who has been involved with the All Blacks since 2000, is leaving his role as a General Manager of a real-estate company and joining New Zealand Rugby full-time from April 1.

"Gilbert will work with our other national teams in the mental skills arena and assist with structures that support performing under pressure," said Tew. "He will also work across the rugby landscape in the area of leadership.  It's fantastic that he'll be able to bring his expertise into other areas of our business."

All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen has welcomed Enoka's new role, saying it was a truer reflection of what people did in the management team and gave the group more agility and flexibility to grow.

"Bert [Gilbert Enoka] has done outstanding work for the All Blacks for well over 200 Tests and has been a big part of the success of the team for a very long time. It will be great to have him in a fulltime position."

Enoka, who was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit this year for his services to rugby and sport psychology, said he was looking forward to his new fulltime role.

"I am humbled by the opportunity. Every moment inside this most amazing environment is a privilege as the team towers above the individual and I look forward to making an ongoing contribution to the All Blacks and to the wider rugby community."

The All Blacks' Assistant Manager since 2012, Enoka will also have a new job title, All Blacks Manager – Leadership, working alongside the long-serving Darren Shand, who also has a new title, All Blacks Manager – Business and Operations.