All Blacks: Scott Robertson confirms ‘talented’ backroom staff for his tenure

New Zealand Rugby (NZR) have announced that Jason Ryan, Leon MacDonald, Jason Holland and Scott Hansen will assist Scott Robertson when he becomes All Blacks head coach after the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

Current forwards coach Ryan will continue in his position from 2024, while Blues head coach MacDonald will take charge of the attack with Hurricanes boss Holland giving him assistance. Crusaders assistant Hansen will be the new defence coach.

Meanwhile, Nic Gill, who has been part of the All Blacks’ management since 2008, will continue in his role as the three-time world champions’ head of performance.

Excited by coaching appointments

NZR chief executive Mark Robinson is excited by the coaching appointments.

“We are pleased to have secured four talented and experienced coaches to guide the All Blacks into 2024 and beyond,” he told the All Blacks’ official website.

“All four have proven themselves as successful and skilled mentors in their respective Super Rugby environments and in some cases overseas.

“As we announce this group, I would also like to acknowledge the current All Blacks coaching group who will guide the team through 2023, and who have the full backing and support of NZ Rugby as they build toward the Rugby World Cup in France.

“We believe it was important to announce this group now to allow the four appointed assistant coaches to focus on their Super Rugby Pacific commitments this season, and to allow their organisations to progress their planning for 2024.”

Robertson has previous experience of working with all his assistants. Ryan served as his assistant at the Crusaders before he was added to the All Blacks coaching staff in 2022.

MacDonald served as Robertson’s assistant at the Crusaders in 2017 and the duo also played together for Canterbury, the Crusaders and the All Blacks. Meanwhile, Holland worked as Robertson’s assistant coach at Canterbury, while Hansen is his current Super Rugby assistant.

The incoming All Blacks boss said he is delighted to have his coaching group locked in.

“I’ve known Jason [Ryan], Leon, Scott, Alfie [Holland] and Gilly for a long time and worked with them all at times during my playing and coaching career,” said Robertson.

“They are a highly talented and motivated group who will bring different strengths to the table and who share a similar philosophy on the game.

“Like myself with the Crusaders, I know they all have important work to do in 2023 and their main focus will be on their current job in hand, but we will be ready to go from 2024.”

Ryan said: “Any role coaching the All Blacks is a huge honour and for as long as I have the opportunity to contribute to the legacy, I will do that to the best of my ability. My full focus right now is Rugby World Cup, but I look forward to continuing the journey in 2024 and beyond.”

MacDonald added: “The All Blacks were the ultimate for me as a player and nothing has changed as a coach. It’s an honour to be asked to join the coaching team and once my Blues commitments are complete, I look forward to starting a new chapter with a talented group of coaches.”

Hansen said: “I with my whanau feel tremendously proud and privileged to be part of the All Blacks organisation and this coaching team for next year and beyond. I am excited for this new adventure, and the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.

“I look forward to supporting Scott Robertson in adding to the legacy of the All Blacks, while also forging strong relationships with our coaches, management, players and NZR staff.

“To coach and serve any player that aspires to be their best is one of my most rewarding experiences, to now be able to do this within the All Blacks environment for me is an honour.

Still focused on Crusaders job

“I wish Ian Foster, Sam Cane, the All Blacks players, coaching and management staff all the very best for what we all believe will be a successful 2023 season. My immediate focus and energy now continues to be with the Crusaders for this season.”

Holland said: “It’s pretty humbling to be asked to contribute to the All Blacks legacy and it’s something every New Zealand coach aspires to, so it is an exciting challenge.

“I’ve known Razor for a long time and I’m looking forward to continuing that relationship in 2024. In the meantime, I’ll be putting everything into the Hurricanes Super Rugby Pacific campaign.”

Gill said: “I’ve been extremely privileged to be in my role and work with the All Blacks. It’s exciting to carry on in 2024, but I’m fully focused right now on the Rugby World Cup and the here and now.”

READ MORE: RANKED: The five most feared lock partnerships in Test rugby