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AUCKLAND, NZL–With about 18 months until the next Men’s Rugby World Cup, New Zealand is looking for a new coach. On Thursday, Scott Robertson departed as the coach of the All Blacks less than two years into a four-year contract. The dismissal follows as year-end review where the All Blacks had mixed results and also reports of internal strife within the camp according to the New Zealand Herald.
“Coaching the All Blacks has been the honour of my life,” said Roberston in a statement. “I am incredibly proud of what this team has achieved and of the progress we have made. We have brought through a talented group of young players, strengthened the depth across the squad, and set solid foundations for the years ahead.
“Following the end of year review I have taken time to reflect on some of the feedback. My priority has always been the success of the All Blacks and, after discussions with New Zealand Rugby, I believe it is in the best interests of the team for me to step aside.
“I have therefore reached an agreement with New Zealand Rugby to end my contract early so a new coaching group has the time it needs to prepare and take the team into the next World Cup.
“As you can imagine, I am gutted by this outcome. I care deeply about this team.
“Given the sensitivity of this situation I will not be making any further comment.”
In 27 matches, Robinson, who had 23 caps with the All Blacks as a player, went 20-7-0 as coach, but among the three defeats this year were a 43-10 home against South Africa in Wellington and a 33-19 to England at Twickenham which denied the All Blacks a Northern Hemisphere “Grand Slam” in a year they were expected to accomplish that feat. Prior to his appointment as All Blacks coach in 2024, Robertson led the Canterbury Crusaders to seven Super Rugby (now Super Rugby Pacific) titles.
New Zealand Rugby chair David Kirk thanked Robertson for his contribution to the team and said that the process of finding a replacement will begin immediately. The next All Blacks test takes place in July against France.
“As always, he has continued to put the All Blacks first and we respect that he has done the hard but right thing in agreeing to depart,” said Kirk.
“His passion for the team as both a player and coach is evident and his commitment to and involvement in rugby in New Zealand at every level over a long period is significant. We wish him well for the future.”
COMMENT: Anyone who has seen the Prime Video documentary “All or Nothing” on the All Blacks during the Steve Hansen era or read books including “The Jersey” on the All Blacks, the standards are enormously high. Losses like the one against South Africa (one of three in the last two years against the Springboks) are viewed as sub-standard. There is concern with 18 months to go until the Men’s Rugby World Cup in Australia that the All Blacks are not in a position to win the competition. Even so, the move to dismiss Robertson is an unusual one for New Zealand Rugby, but highlight the expectations surrounding the All Blacks.
