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The Chiefs' head of strength and conditioning Nic Gill, and the team's physiotherapist Dennis Shepherd, will join the All Blacks support staff in June 2008. 

Gill is appointed as the All Blacks strength and conditioning coach, while Shepherd will be the team's manual therapist, according to a Chiefs media release.

The All Blacks announced three new additions to their management team on Wednesday, with Gill and Shepherd appointed along with Hurricanes analyst Alistair Rogers.

Gill has been strength and conditioning coach of the Chiefs for the last five seasons, and was also an assistant trainer with the All Blacks in 2004 and worked with the Junior All Blacks from 2005-2007. He has also worked with the Waikato Rugby Union and Rowing New Zealand since 2001.

Shepherd will take up the role of manual therapist to complement the work of All Blacks physiotherapist Pete Gallagher. Shepherd's professional association with Waikato Rugby dates back to 1980 and his work with the Chiefs franchise began in 1997.

Chiefs coach Ian Foster said: "We're delighted as a franchise to see Dennis and Nic selected for these positions. They thoroughly deserve their selection due to their great performance with the Chiefs over the years."

"It will be business as normal for both these guys until the end of our season. With Dennis he will be able to continue with the Chiefs in future seasons and it will be great for Dennis to get experience in the All Blacks camp."

"For Nic the role with the All Blacks is full-time so we will have to farewell him at the end of this campaign. He has been a key ingredient in developing our franchise's players and our team management.  His expertise and enthusiasm will be greatly missed."

All Blacks manager Darren Shand said: "All three people have excellent qualifications and a lot of relevant experience in professional rugby. "We look forward to them bringing that experience to bear on the All Blacks as we're always looking to improve in every part of what we do."