John Hart (rugby union coach)

John Hart (born in Rotorua, New Zealand) is a former rugby union coach. He is most notable for coaching the New Zealand national rugby union team, the All Blacks, from 1996 to 1999.

Hart's coaching career began at Auckland Grammar School, where he achieved considerable success. He then moved into provincial coaching, initially with Auckland B before taking the helm of the Auckland provincial team. During his tenure, Auckland dominated the National Provincial Championship (NPC), securing multiple titles and establishing a period of unprecedented provincial dominance.

Hart's success at the provincial level led to his appointment as All Blacks coach in 1996, succeeding Laurie Mains. He inherited a team that had just lost the 1995 Rugby World Cup final and was tasked with continuing New Zealand's dominance in the Southern Hemisphere. Under Hart's leadership, the All Blacks won the Tri Nations series three times (1996, 1997, and 1999) and achieved a remarkable winning record.

However, Hart's tenure as All Blacks coach is also remembered for the team's shock loss to France in the semi-final of the 1999 Rugby World Cup. This defeat, considered a major upset, brought significant criticism upon Hart and ultimately led to his resignation after the tournament.

Following his time with the All Blacks, Hart held coaching roles with the Auckland Blues in the Super 12 (now Super Rugby) competition. He later transitioned to a management and advisory role within rugby. He remains a prominent figure in New Zealand rugby, offering commentary and analysis on the game.