All Blacks explain decision to part ways with coach Scott Robertson

New Zealand Rugby team, All Blacks, have parted company with head coach Scott Robertson following an internal review of the team’s performances, New Zealand Rugby (NZR) has confirmed.

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Speculation over Robertson’s future had intensified since December amid reports of growing friction between senior players and the All Blacks coaching staff.

The review comes at the mid-point of the current Rugby World Cup cycle, with the 2027 tournament in Australia remaining New Zealand’s long-term target.

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Robertson, who replaced Ian Foster after the 2023 Rugby World Cup, guided the All Blacks to 10 wins from 13 Tests in the 2025 season.

However, his tenure came under increasing pressure following a series of historic defeats, including the team’s first-ever away loss to Argentina and a record 43-10 home defeat to South Africa in Wellington, the heaviest loss in the All Blacks’ 120-year history.

The former Canterbury Crusaders coach presided over what has been widely described as the All Blacks’ worst results of the professional era.

In addition to the heavy loss to South Africa, New Zealand were convincingly beaten by England at Twickenham in November, ending their hopes of completing a Grand Slam against the Home Nations.

NZR chairman David Kirk said the decision followed an extensive assessment of the team’s progress both on and off the field.

“The mid-point in the Rugby World Cup cycle is the right time to look at the All Blacks’ progress over the first two seasons. The team are set to play a significant 2026 schedule, and the tournament in 2027 remains the key goal,” Kirk said.

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“We’ve taken an extensive look at the team’s progress on and off the field and have subsequently had discussions with Scott on the way forward. Both NZR and Scott agree it is in the best interests of the team that he depart his role as head coach,” he continued.

Robertson, who was contracted through to the end of the 2027 World Cup, said he was “gutted” by the decision but accepted the findings of the review.

“Coaching the All Blacks has been the honour of my life. I am incredibly proud of what this team has achieved and of the progress we have made.

We have brought through a talented group of young players, strengthened the depth across the squad, and set solid foundations for the years ahead,” Robertson said.

“Following the end of year review, I have taken time to reflect on some of the feedback. My priority has always been the success of the All Blacks and, after discussions with New Zealand Rugby, I believe it is in the best interests of the team for me to step aside.

I have therefore reached an agreement with New Zealand Rugby to end my contract early so a new coaching group has the time it needs to prepare and take the team into the next World Cup,” he continued.

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NZR confirmed that the search for a new head coach will begin immediately, with the All Blacks set to play their first Nations Championship Tests in July. Former Japan head coach Jamie Joseph is widely viewed as the frontrunner to succeed Robertson.