Scott Robertson dumped as All Blacks coach
- editor59343
- 2 minutes ago
- 3 min read
The so-called saviour of All Blacks coaching, Scott Robertson has been dumped from his role by New Zealand Rugby after alleged player power and a review after the Grand Slam Tour last year.
NZR announced that Roberson had departed his role as Head Coach of the All Blacks following the completion of the 2025 end of season review.
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NZR said the process will commence immediately to recruit a new head coach.
New Zealand Rugby (NZR) Chair David Kirk made the following comments.
“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. The team are set to play a significant 2026 schedule and the tournament in 2027 remains the key goal.
“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.”
Kirk acknowledged Robertson’s contribution to the All Blacks across a long period of time.
“On behalf of New Zealand Rugby I would like to thank Scott for his contribution to the All Blacks. 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.”
NZR 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.
NZR has not made any additional changes to the wider All Blacks coaching and management team.
The following release was put out by a Public Relations firm on behalf of Robertson.
"Coaching the All Blacks has been the honour of my life. 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.
"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.
"As you can imagine, I am gutted by this outcome. I care deeply about this team.
"Given the sensitivity of this situation I will not be making any further comment."
Robertson played 23 times for the All Blacks and started as head coach at the beginning of 2024 after replacing Ian Foster.
Likely replacements could come from Jamie Joseph, Dave Rennie and Tony Brown.