Robertson joins Baa Baas coaching staff

Crusaders Super Rugby winning coach Scott Robertson will be a part of the Barbarians coaching team for the matches against New Zealand and Tonga.

43-year-old Robertson, a former All Black, won the title in his first season as Head Coach of the Crusaders.

He joins Barbarians’ boss Robbie Deans, who is also a former All Black and Super Rugby winning coach with the Crusaders, for the European leg of the Barbarians tour.

Robertson won 23 caps in the back row for New Zealand and coached Canterbury and the New Zealand U20 side before being appointed to his Crusaders role.

Robertson now joins an impressive list of Kiwi coaches involved with the Baa Baas, including Deans, Sir John Kirwan, Jamie Joseph, Carlos Spencer and Vern Cotter.

“I’ve got a great regard for the Barbarians club,” Robertson told barbarianfc.co.uk.

“I got invited to play but couldn’t get released at the time so it’s nice to be involved on the coaching side and the chance to work with Robbie’s a great opportunity.

Deans said: “You’ll certainly see Scott’s passion for the game when he’s involved with us.

“He did a great job for the Crusaders in his first year and celebrated after the final with a break dance — so if he gets the chance to do that again, we’ll know we’ve done okay.”

The Barbarians will also be in Australia next month and former Wallabies coach Alan Jones will coach them for matches against the Classic Wallabies and Australia. Squads for both legs of the tour are expected to be released soon.