Scott Robertson FIRED as All Blacks head coach after NZ Rugby review
Former All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson and New Zealand Rugby chairman David Kirk (inset).
New Zealand Rugby (NZR) have confirmed that All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson has been fired from his position just two years into a four-year contract.
This follows a review by the governing body into the 2025 season headed by NZR chairman David Kirk and it was eventually decided it’s best to part ways with Robertson, who took over the reins as All Blacks boss from Ian Foster after the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.
The review was undertaken by Kirk, former All Blacks hooker and NZR board member Keven Mealamu as well as ex-NZR high performance manager Don Tricker.
Kirk said that NZR would now start the process of finding a replacement for Robertson.
“The mid-point in the Rugby World Cup cycle is the right time to look at the All Blacks’ progress over the first two seasons,” he explained. “The team are set to play a significant 2026 schedule and the tournament in 2027 remains the key goal.
‘Taken an extensive look at the team’s progress’
“We’ve taken an extensive look at the team’s progress on and off the field and have subsequently had discussions with Scott on the way forward.
“Both NZR and Scott agree it is in the best interests of the team that he depart his role as head coach.”
Prior to taking charge of the All Blacks, Robertson had great success as head coach of the Crusaders where he won seven Super Rugby titles in as many years.
Robertson also represented the Crusaders and New Zealand as a flanker during his playing career and Kirk acknowledged the 51-year-old’s contribution to the All Blacks over a long period of time.
“On behalf of New Zealand Rugby I would like to thank Scott for his contribution to the All Blacks,” he said. “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.
“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.”
Meanwhile, Robertson released a statement in which he said it was an honour to coach the All Blacks.
‘Incredibly proud of what this team has achieved’
“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,” he said.
“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.”
NZR said the organisation will now commence the All Blacks’ head coach recruitment process immediately and will provide an update in the coming days.
The All Blacks are scheduled to play next in three July Nations Championship matches in New Zealand against France, Italy and Ireland.
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