Tokyo (AFP) - Incoming New Zealand head coach Dave Rennie said it was “going to be nice to have one job” after signing off from Japan with a championship final win on Sunday.

The 62-year-old led Kobe Steelers to the Japan Rugby League One title with a 22-13 victory over Kubota Spears in front of more than 50,000 spectators at Tokyo’s National Stadium.

He will now take charge of the All Blacks after being named in early March to replace Scott Robertson, who was fired midway through a four-year contract.

Rennie, whose Kobe team included New Zealand internationals Ardie Savea and Anton Lienert-Brown as well as former All Black Brodie Retallick, said he was “excited to be going home”.

“It’s going to be nice to have one job,” he said.

“I want to be close to my kids and grandkids, and while I’m going to spend a lot of time in a hotel over the next six months, I’ll certainly be closer.

“I’m really looking forward to the challenge, but today’s about Kobe, and we’ll celebrate that,” he added.

Rennie will name his first All Blacks squad for Nations Championship Tests against France, Italy and Ireland on June 22, leaving the new coach with just over a year to prepare for the next World Cup in Australia.

New Zealand then depart for an eight-match tour of South Africa in August and September, including four Tests against the world champion Springboks.

- Retallick in demand -

Rennie has said he would like to welcome 109-cap veteran Retallick back into the All Blacks fold.

The 35-year-old lock is currently ineligible because New Zealand Rugby does not allow players to be selected for the All Blacks from overseas clubs.

Retallick was named player of the match in Sunday’s final, and he said “you always want to represent your country”.

“If they were able to change the eligibility rules and the coaches and Dave thought I was good enough to come back and have a crack, then I would love to, because it’s playing for your country,” said Retallick.

“Until that happens, I guess it’s not even a possibility.”

Kobe were looking for their first title since 2013 and facing a Kubota team featuring Australian fly-half Bernard Foley but missing Springboks hooker Malcolm Marx through injury.

Foley, who will leave Kubota after seven seasons in Japan, helped his team build an early lead, but Kobe hit back and went into half-time tied at 13-13.

Rennie’s side edged ahead early in the second half through two penalties by Japan fly-half Seungsin Lee.

There was little between the two teams from that point on, and Kobe clung on despite fierce pressure from 2023 champions Kubota.

Savea, who will return to New Zealand along with team-mate Lienert-Brown, backed Rennie to find more success with the All Blacks.

“What he’s done with this team for the past three years has been pretty outstanding,” said flanker Savea, who has 101 caps for his country.

“No doubt, he will push for the team to be great, so I’m looking forward to that – if I’m lucky enough.”