New Zealand Rugby\u2019s search for Scott Robertson\u2019s successor continues with the union gauging the interest of two former All Blacks head coaches.<\/p>\n
That is according to a report by the New Zealand Herald, which states that Sir Steve Hansen<\/a> and Ian Foster have been approached by the union.<\/p>\n Following the dismissal of Robertson, NZ Rugby have advertised the vacancy, setting out strict requirements with prospective coaches needing to be a New Zealander and have international head coach experience.<\/p>\n NZ Rugby reach out to two former head coaches<\/p>\n This has led many to believe that Jamie Joseph and Dave Rennie were the only two coaches in the running for the All Blacks<\/a> job, having coached Japan and Australia, respectively.<\/p>\n John Mitchell and Vern Cotter would both meet the requirements but have been ruled out of the running, with the former extending his contract as the England women\u2019s head coach, while the latter is set to take over from Les Kiss as the Queensland Reds boss in 2027.<\/p>\n According to The Herald<\/a>, Hansen and Foster<\/a> are among the coaches who have been approached to apply for the role, either directly or through their representatives.<\/p>\n It\u2019s yet to be seen whether either of the former head coaches would be interested in taking on the position, particularly because it is reported that Foster did not expect NZ Rugby to reach out to him.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, I can\u2019t see it happening,\u201d he reportedly told DSPN\u2019s Martin Devlin<\/a> when asked whether he thought NZ Rugby would be reaching out.<\/p>\n Ian Foster\u2019s verdict on All Blacks vacancy and issues \u2018sure of it\u2019 prediction after Scott Robertson\u2019s sacking<\/a><\/p>\n He also predicted that Joseph would be the man getting the job and thought that the union would be looking to recruit Tony Brown too, whether that happened now or once his contract with SA Rugby expires after the 2027 World Cup.<\/p>\n There is a lot of bad blood with Foster and the union after he came close to being sacked midway through his contract in 2022, as the board were eager to get Robertson into the role before the 2023 World Cup. Ultimately, Foster was saved by the All Blacks players and would lead the side through to the World Cup final, where they were beaten by the Springboks.<\/p>\n In 46 Tests as head coach, Foster won 32, drew two, and had a win percentage of just under 70.<\/p>\n