New Zealand Rugby has officially confirmed that Scott Robertson will no longer serve as the head coach of the All Blacks, a significant managerial change occurring midway through his four-year contract. This decision follows an internal review that addressed considerable deficiencies in the team’s performance as they head towards the 2025 season, particularly highlighting aspects of Robertson’s coaching and leadership style.
The review was led by NZR chairman David Kirk, along with board member and former All Black player Keven Mealamu, and former high-performance manager Don Tricker. After a comprehensive evaluation, the NZR board concluded that a change in leadership was imperative and has initiated the search for a new head coach.
Kirk remarked that this juncture aligns with the midpoint of the current Rugby World Cup cycle, creating a critical window to assess the team’s path forward. He stressed the need to review both on-field and off-field progress as they prepare for the challenges of 2026, with an eye on the 2027 World Cup as the ultimate goal.
In a mutual agreement, both Robertson and NZR decided that parting ways was the best route for the All Blacks. Robertson expressed deep disappointment over the outcome, referring to his coaching tenure as “the honor of my life.” Despite recording a respectable win rate of 74% from 20 victories in 27 tests, his time as head coach was marred by inconsistent performances, including notable losses, such as a historic defeat to South Africa in Wellington and an unprecedented loss against Argentina on home soil.
However, Robertson also achieved notable successes, notably maintaining the All Blacks’ unbeaten record at Eden Park against the Springboks and successfully defending the Bledisloe Cup. Internally, it was reported that issues had begun to emerge within the squad as early as late 2024, indicating that Robertson may have lost the confidence of several players.
Kirk extended his gratitude to Robertson for his significant contributions to New Zealand rugby, acknowledging his commitment and passion for the sport. He wished Robertson success in his future endeavors.
This leadership transition offers a chance for the All Blacks to innovate and re-strategize as they prepare for crucial upcoming seasons, fostering optimism for a revitalized pursuit of international rugby excellence.