New Zealand Rugby (NZR) has announced that Scott Robertson would succeed Ian Foster as All Blacks head coach after this year’s Rugby World Cup. Robertson has signed a four-year contract that will last until the conclusion of the 2027 World Cup in Australia. The 48-year-old, who has been successful as head coach of the Canterbury Crusaders, has aspired to coach at the greatest level and is keen to contribute to the heritage of the black jersey.
Robertson, widely known as “Razor,” lost out to Foster for the position after the 2019 World Cup, but his continued performance in Super Rugby put him in the running for future positions. The New Zealand Rugby team began a search for a head coach three weeks ago, and Robertson’s hiring puts an end to the rumours. Yet, this may be of little consolation to Foster, who said that he would have appreciated the opportunity to remain in his position had the All Blacks won the Rugby World Cup in France.
Robertson has become linked with the Crusaders’ domination, and his break-dancing celebrations after winning each championship trophy are legendary. While he has never coached at the international level, he has already chosen his preferred staff, which includes Jason Ryan, his former forwards coach at the Crusaders and now Foster’s assistant coach.
New Zealand was once the most feared rugby country, but following the retirement of a number of greats, it has slipped back into the pack. They are now rated third, after Ireland and France, and will likely lose more senior players after the next World Cup. Robertson is eager to assume the enormous responsibility of coaching the All Blacks and is looking forward to the task of preparing new players to don the black jersey. Patsy Reddy, chairperson of the NZR Board of Directors, stated that the decision to appoint the next All Blacks head coach prior to the Rugby World Cup was not made lightly, but they believe it was the right choice for New Zealand Rugby and the All Blacks, and will set the team up for future success.
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