“The clamour for his head on a platter seemed much more intense than for Robertson’s removal at the end of the All Blacks’ end-of-year tour. Yet the NZR opted to stick rather than twist, partly due to a delegation of leading players who back [Foster] it is believed, albeit with the key appointment of Joe Schmidt as an assistant coach.”
Former All Blacks coach Scott Robertson. Photo / Photosport
NZR’s decision to move Robertson aside came after what is understood to have been highly critical player feedback in an end-of-year review.
“So, this time,” Thornley wrote. “In very un-NZRU [sic] fashion, they opted to twist.”
He also suggested NZR would likely be more open to offshore-based candidates in its search for a replacement.
“Robertson’s departure also debunks the long-held opinion in New Zealand rugby that the head coach be appointed from within the system. He had, after all, led the Crusaders to seven successive Super Rugby titles [including the Covid-era New Zealand-only crowns].”
NZR chair David Kirk said the search for a new coach has already begun. Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph has emerged as the front-runner for the role.
Joseph is set to coach the Highlanders in the upcoming Super Rugby Pacific season, with their first pre-season game scheduled for January 30.
Former Chiefs coach Clayton McMillan has ruled himself out of joining the All Blacks coaching ranks, insisting he’s committed to his current club, Munster.
Robertson leaves the role with 20 wins from 27 tests, a 74% success rate, having taken over from Foster after the 2023 Rugby World Cup.