1News Reports Scott Robertson Set to be Dismissed as All Blacks Coach
New Zealand Rugby Union is set to announce the dismissal of All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson. This decision comes after a thorough review that questioned his coaching performance and leadership abilities. Sources indicate that the announcement will be made within the day.
Scott Robertson’s Tenure and Performance
Robertson, who began his four-year contract two years ago, enjoyed a promising start. During his time, the All Blacks secured 20 wins out of 27 matches, achieving a 74% success rate. Despite this, the team’s performance has been inconsistent, marked by unexpected defeats.
Concerns Within the Team
Player discontent has been a growing concern since the end of the 2024 season. Reports suggest that many players feel Robertson has “lost the dressing room.” This unrest played a significant role in the board’s decision to reassess his position.
Review Process and Key Figures
- The review was conducted by:
- David Kirk, NZR chairman
- Keven Mealamu, NZR board member and former test hooker
- Don Tricker, former NZR high performance manager
This evaluation revealed serious concerns regarding Robertson’s effectiveness as a coach and leader. As a result, NZR leaders decided a change was necessary.
Future Coaching Prospects
Alongside Robertson, assistant coach Scott Hansen is also anticipated to leave his position. The fate of forwards coach Jason Ryan remains uncertain. Current Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph is viewed as the leading candidate to succeed Robertson.
Potential Candidates for Head Coach
- Jamie Joseph (Highlanders coach)
- Joe Schmidt (former Wallabies coach, unavailable until July)
- Dave Rennie (former Chiefs coach, potential option)
With these developments, the All Blacks look to realign their team for the future, aiming to regain their place among the elite in international rugby.
