Former All Blacks boss Scott Robertson\u2019s time in rugby union could be coming to an end after it was revealed that he could be switching codes to coach in rugby league.<\/p>\n
According to reports in New Zealand\u2019s media, Robertson has received an offer to coach the Southern Orcas \u2013 a proposed Christchurch-based rugby league club who are contending for entry into the National Rugby League (NRL).<\/p>\n
The NRL currently has 17 clubs competing in its league structure, but expansion side Perth Bears are entering the league in 2027 while the Papua New Guinea Chiefs are scheduled to compete in the tournament from 2028.<\/p>\n
The Southern Orcas are hoping to become the NRL\u2019s 20th team by 2029, which will mean it will be the second New Zealand-based club along with the New Zealand Warriors.<\/p>\n
The Orcas\u2019 chairman Sir Graham Lowe, who is a former New Zealand rugby league national team coach and co-owner of Super League outfit Bradford Bulls, confirmed that they have offered Robertson<\/a> a four-year contract to coach them, should its license be granted, and revealed that the offer came as a shock to the man known as \u201cRazor\u201d.<\/p>\n \u2018It\u2019s a very big call for him to make\u2019<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s no doubt that he was surprised when we approached him about it, but also he was excited. It\u2019s a very big call for him to make, but it\u2019s also been a very big call for us to make as well,\u201d Lowe told Radio New Zealand.<\/p>\n All Blacks team v Sharks: Luke Jacobson appointed captain and two debutants named as Dave Rennie calls in the big guns<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re just excited and hopeful that he will be able to accept.\u201d<\/p>\n Lowe revealed that acquiring Robertson\u2019s services was not just about his abilities as a coach.<\/p>\n \u201cThe very special thing also is Razor\u2019s a really good bloke and those who\u2019ve had the opportunity to meet him would agree with me; and if you can match that with being a great leader of men and a great coach, I think you\u2019re on a great combination,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Robertson had great success during his time as head coach of the Crusaders and guided the Christchurch-based franchise to seven consecutive Super Rugby titles between 2017 and 2023.<\/p>\n Want more from Planet Rugby? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list<\/a> for world-class coverage you can trust.<\/p>\n He then took over the All Blacks<\/a>\u2018 coaching reins after they lost to the Springboks in the 2023 Rugby World Cup final but was axed from that position at the start of this year, to be replaced by Dave Rennie.<\/p>\n This, despite him having a 74% win ratio after securing 20 victories from 27 Tests in 2024 and 2025.<\/p>\n \u2018That\u2019s water under the bridge now\u2019<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sure it must have been really difficult for him when he had that call, you know, with the New Zealand Rugby Union, but that\u2019s water under the bridge now,\u201d added Lowe.<\/p>\n