The New Zealand Rugby Union has moved decisively by dismissing All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson after months of internal tension and reports of a player revolt.
This move comes after a review into the 2025 season was scathing of Robertson’s coaching and leadership.
The review was done by New Zealand Rugby chairman David Kirk, current board member and former All Blacks Test star Keven Mealamu and former NZR high performance manager Don Tricker.
According to various reports coming from New Zealand, player unrest has been building from as far back as the end of 2024, Robertson’s first year in charge.
ALL BLACKS’ RECORD UNDER ROBERTSON
Under Robertson charge, the the All Blacks have recorded 20 wins from 27 matches, a 74% success rate, but it’s the shock defeats mixed in-between and a lack of improvement or change that apparently sealed his fate.
The All Blacks suffered their biggest ever defeat in a 43-10 drubbing by the Springboks in Wellington and lost to Los Pumas for the first time on Argentinian soil.
It is believed Roberts had lost the dressing room, in particular the backing of many of the senior All Black
‘IT’S BEEN THE HONOUR OF MY LIFE,’ SAYS ROBERTSON
Robertson said coaching the team had been the honour of his life and that while he was gutted by this outcome, he believed it was in the best interests of the team for him to step aside following the end-of-season review.
“Coaching the All Blacks has been the honour of my life,” he said. “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,” he concluded.
RECRUITMENT PROCESS FOR NEW ALL BLACKS COACH UNDERWAY
In the official NZR statement announcing the news, Kirk said Robertson’s departure is by mutual consent.
“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,” Kirk noted. “Both NZR and Scott agree it is in the best interests of the team that he depart his role as head coach.”
“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.”
He also revealed the recruitment process for a new head coach would start immediately.
“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.”
