All Blacks icon Richie McCaw quietly re-entered the national setup back in September 2025, helping the squad prepare for their high-profile clash with the Springboks — and his involvement may yet become something more permanent.
The two-time World Cup-winning captain was spotted observing training at the New Zealand Campus of Innovation and Sport in Upper Hutt, a visit that immediately sparked speculation about a deeper role behind the scenes.
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Midfielder Quinn Tupaea admitted he was slightly overwhelmed by the presence of the 148-test legend.
“You definitely feel it when someone like Richie walks in,” Tupaea said at the time. “I was a bit starstruck, to be honest.”
McCaw’s appearance has taken on added significance months later, following New Zealand Rugby’s dramatic decision to sack head coach Scott Robertson earlier this week.
NZR is now expected to lean heavily on respected former greats such as McCaw and Dan Carter as it looks to quell public anger and steady a fractured environment.
Robertson’s exit reportedly followed fierce criticism from senior players during an internal review. Among those understood to be deeply unhappy was former captain Ardie Savea, who was allegedly prepared to remain with Japanese club Kobe Steelers — or even move to Europe — and sacrifice a year of All Blacks rugby had Robertson stayed on.
Assistant coach Scott Hansen was also said to be in the firing line, with senior players delivering scathing feedback on team culture and standards. That feedback was presented directly to New Zealand Rugby, leaving chairman David Kirk under immense pressure to act.
While McCaw has no interest in the head coach role, the idea of a permanent position within the All Blacks backroom remains firmly on the table — and could be a crucial piece of the puzzle as New Zealand builds toward the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
EDITORS PICKS:
All Blacks Five man shortlist to replace Scott Robertson as head coach
With less than two years until the 2027 World Cup, New Zealand Rugby faces a defining decision.
After extremely strong rumours that Scott Robertson is set to be removed as All Blacks head coach, attention has turned to who could steady the ship and reshape the side.
Here we examine five realistic candidates, each offering a different mix of experience, continuity and risk going forward.
1 Jamie Joseph
Jamie Joseph appears the front-runner, largely because he is already embedded within New Zealand Rugby’s elite pathway. A former Otago flanker, Joseph earned 20 All Blacks caps between 1992 and 1995 before later representing Japan. His long playing and coaching connection to the New Zealand system gives him a level of familiarity few candidates can match.
His coaching career has been wide-ranging and successful, including stints with Wellington, the Māori All Blacks, the Highlanders, Japan and the Sunwolves. He returned to the Highlanders in 2024 and was appointed head coach of the All Blacks XV in 2025, a move widely viewed as positioning him for higher honours.
Joseph’s track record of building disciplined, resilient teams is well established, most notably with Japan’s historic rise on the world stage. With deep knowledge of local structures and strong international credibility, he offers both continuity and authority. If NZR wants a smooth transition rather than a reset, Joseph shapes as the most natural successor.
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