Scott Robertson finalises ‘highly skilled’ All Blacks backroom staff
New All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson in 2023.
Incoming All Blacks head Scott Robertson has confirmed his backroom staff for his tenure at the helm of the New Zealand side beginning in 2024.
After huge success with the Crusaders where he won a title in all seven seasons he was in Christchurch, Robertson was confirmed as Ian Foster’s replacement earlier this year.
The announcement of Robertson’s appointment was earlier than expected, with pressure growing as a result of shaky periods during the Foster era which finished strongly as the All Blacks made it all the way to the Rugby World Cup final and very nearly won the global showpiece.
As expected there is a strong Crusaders influence in Robertson’s backroom staff with Tamaiti Ellison the latest to join the team; he will be in charge of contact skills with the All Blacks.
Ellison, however, will still continue his role as an assistant for new Crusaders boss Rob Penney whilst working with the Test side.
Quality coaching group
Several other big names are on the coaching staff with Jason Ryan continuing to work with the forwards and Jason Holland as the backs coach, Leon MacDonald as the attack coach, Scott Hansen in charge of defence, and Wayne Smith as the performance coach.
New Zealand Rugby s general manager of professional rugby Chris Lendrum is excited with the selection of coaches powering the team.
“We strongly believe that these are the best people to carry the All Blacks’ legacy forward and enhance it further in the coming years,” Lendrum said in a statement.
“We have worked closely with Scott and his team in creating some new roles and are excited to see what this group can achieve.”
A privilege
Robertson echoed those sentiments and is looking forward to working with his talented backroom staff as they build to the next World Cup.
“I’d like to welcome everyone to what is a special team of highly-skilled individuals,” Roberston said in a statement.
“It is a real privilege to represent our country, and I’m proud of the group that we have assembled. They are all at the top of their craft and bring some incredible expertise with them.
“I know how hard each person has been working, and will continue to work, as we build towards our first season together. A massive focus for us is to do the jersey proud and build on an amazing legacy.”
All Blacks backroom staff
Scott Robertson (Head Coach)
Jason Ryan (Assistant Coach – Forwards)
Leon MacDonald (Assistant Coach – Attack)
Scott Hansen (Assistant Coach – Defence)
Jason Holland (Assistant Coach – Backs)
Tamati Ellison (Contact Skills Coach)
Wayne Smith (Performance Coach)
Jamie Hamilton (Head Performance Analyst)
