The All Blacks' Head Coach Scott Robertson has been relieved of his duties after just two years in the role, following a comprehensive review by New Zealand Rugby (NZR). This decision comes amidst a period of transition for the team, with a focus on the 2026 and 2027 schedules. Robertson, known for his success with the Crusaders, took over from Ian Foster after the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France. The review, led by NZR chairman David Kirk and former All Blacks hooker Keven Mealamu, along with ex-NZR high-performance manager Don Tricker, concluded that a change in leadership was necessary for the team's future success.
The decision was made after an extensive evaluation of the team's performance on and off the field, with discussions between Robertson and NZR. Both parties agreed that it was in the best interest of the team for Robertson to step down. Prior to his role with the All Blacks, Robertson had an impressive record as the head coach of the Crusaders, winning seven Super Rugby titles in seven years. His contributions to New Zealand Rugby, both as a player and coach, have been significant, and his passion for the sport is evident.
In a statement, Robertson expressed his pride in the team's achievements and the progress made. He acknowledged the importance of the team's success and agreed to step aside to allow a new coaching group to prepare for the upcoming World Cup. NZR has initiated the process of finding a replacement and will provide updates in the coming days. The All Blacks' next matches are scheduled for the July Nations Championship in New Zealand, where they will face France, Italy, and Ireland.
