David Campese’s ‘sad’ verdict on ‘bizarre’ All Blacks crisis which is ‘not good for the game’
Former All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson and Wallabies legend David Campese.
Wallabies legend David Campese decided not to take the opportunity to stick the boot into the All Blacks and New Zealand Rugby following the sacking of Scott Robertson.
The governing body find themselves in the unusual position of having to deal with significant upheaval after deciding to axe the national team head coach.
This comes after the resignation of chief executive Mark Robinson, with NZ Rugby not yet filling that position despite knowing for several months his exit date.
NZR in crisis
Chair David Kirk, who was appointed in December 2024, has assumed command of the organisation and led the review into the All Blacks’ underwhelming 2025 season.
After reportedly scathing feedback from the players, allied by the mixed results and performances, Kirk decided to pull the trigger and fire Robertson.
They are therefore in search of a head coach while other key positions, such as head of high performance, chief financial officer and chief commercial officer, are also currently vacant.
It points to a company in crisis, something their trans-Tasman rivals might revel in, but not Campese, who took a sympathetic view.
“It’s bizarre isn’t it? I don’t know what’s wrong with you guys,” he told the New Zealand-based Sport Nation. “From such a stable organisation many, many years ago with the brand, the culture and the history of the All Blacks. Now it’s a corporate company isn’t it?”
“It’s very sad actually. It’s such a great country and great tradition, to see this happen is not good for the game.”
Campese couldn’t resist a little dig, however, albeit it was more aimed at Rugby Australia, with two of the past three Wallabies head coaches being New Zealanders.
Dave Rennie took charge between 2020 and 2o23, while Joe Schmidt has had the reins since the start of 2024.
Wallabies coaching situation
“We still get Kiwi coaches over here – how many more guys have you got that you can send over? We’ve got to try and find our own coaches to play our different style of rugby,” Campese said.
There will be an Aussie in charge from July, though, with Reds boss Les Kiss taking over after Schmidt steps down.
Campese has been a critic of Rugby Australia’s decision to hire people from across the Tasman with the current Wallabies head coach sometimes a target of his ire.
But quizzed on what he thought about the decision to bring in Kiss, the legendary former wing decided to bite his lip.
“I think I’d rather stay away from that. I’ve been in so much trouble in the past, so I will keep my thoughts to myself,” he said.
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