Category: Sport

Source: Radio New Zealand

A former All Blacks captain says New Zealand Rugby was left with no option but to sack Scott Robertson.

The coach’s reign came to an end after just two years in the top job following a less than favourable internal review.

NZR’s chair David Kirk said they took on a wide range of opinions before making the decision.

Former New Zealand skipper Taine Randell said Robertson’s removal comes after significant changes made by the board – and they’re changes that couldn’t have happened sooner.

“I was very shocked … but it’s not unprecedented to sack All Black coaches, he told Morning Report.

“I was playing in 2001 when Wayne Smith had his tenure cut very short, but I think … if you look at what’s been happening at the New Zealand union over the last 12 months, it hasn’t really been talked about.

“I think Razor’s removal is just the latest in a number of massive changes that have occurred at New Zealand Rugby that signal that actually, ‘hey look, the New Zealand Rugby Union that we have today is a very different beast to the one we had 12 months ago’ and to be perfectly honest, it couldn’t have happened soon enough.”

Randell said NZR had been in a funk over the past seven years, and all indicators suggested there was disillusionment with the game in New Zealand.

He said there had been a lot of issues between NZR and the provinces.

“As a result of that, we’ve ended up in February with a new chairman. They say a fish rots from the head,” Randell said.

“Well, with Dame Patsy Reddy, my personal thing, she did quite a bit of damage to New Zealand Rugby and then she fell out with a lot of our stakeholders, as did the rugby union.

“In result, David Kirk was the new chairman. Now, since then, we were looking for a new CEO because the CEO has essentially been removed. That’s a big call.

“Last week, head of high performance has basically gone … those things don’t happen in a vacuum. But as a result, I believe that the changes that we’ve had at the top and the most recent change that we’ve got, we’ve got to have a new coach.”

Randell said while Robertson’s win record as All Blacks coach was 74 percent, the performances weren’t good enough.

He said the internal review pointed to a culture problem in the All Blacks set up, which led to record-breaking defeats.

“If you have a good culture of the team, you do not have two of your leading assistant coaches leave,” Randell said.

“If the culture of the team is going well, actually, irrespective of win, lose or draw, which the All Blacks you should win, at least the performance of the team should give you some encouragement that they’re on the right track and if you’ve got a good culture of the team, you don’t have colossal losses to the Springboks.”

Randell said losses to nations like Ireland and Argentina had become commonplace, which also pointed to a “terrible” culture.

He said it was easy to determine if things were going well, and Kirk had put it right by sacking Robertson.

Randell also refuted ideas that players had too much influence, and said you didn’t need degree in psychology to see that things weren’t going well.

“One of the things I really liked, irrespective of the decision, is that when it came to making the decision on the coaches, actually the chairman and one of the directors, Keven Mealamu, were directly involved in the review.

“They didn’t farm out that process to some consultants or a board of other people. They did it themselves. That’s what they were elected to do and they did it themselves.”

He said whether supporters agreed with the decision or not, the board had made a strong call and that was a good sign of leadership from NZR.

They’ve got institutional knowledge that’s been missing from the New Zealand Rugby board for a long time, he said.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

New Zealand athletes will receive a medal-winning bonus in the upcoming Olympic Games.

In addition to sponsorship for the New Zealand Team, Kathmandu will offer bonuses to medal winners at February’s Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games and the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

The bonus structure has been developed in consultation with the NZOC Athletes’ Commission.

Chair of the NZOC Athletes’ Commission, Richie Patterson said the Commission has enjoyed developing and testing different medal bonus methodologies.

“This is awesome for our Olympic athletes and I’m proud we’re able to help bring this tangible reward to life with thanks to Kathmandu,” said Patterson.

For individual events, a gold medal winner will fetch a $5000 bonus.

And a team event consisting of five or more athletes will share in $25,000 for a gold medal win.

NZOC CEO, Nicki Nicol, is proud that athletes will be further recognised for all their hard work and dedication.

“I think it’s a nice reward; every one of our athletes goes out there and wears the fern with pride, aiming to achieve the very best. For those who do get on the podium, whether at Milano Cortina or Los Angeles, this medal bonus is a great way to say thank you,” she said.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

A former All Blacks captain says New Zealand Rugby was left with no option but to sack Scott Robertson.

The coach’s reign came to an end after just two years in the top job following a less than favourable internal review.

NZR’s chair David Kirk said they took on a wide range of opinions before making the decision.

Former New Zealand skipper Taine Randell said Robertson’s removal comes after significant changes made by the board – and it couldn’t have happened sooner.

“I was very shocked … but it’s not unprecedented to sack All Black coaches, he told Morning Report.

“I was playing in 2001 when Wayne Smith had his tenure cut very short, but I think … if you look at what’s been happening at the New Zealand union over the last 12 months, it hasn’t really been talked about.

“I think Razor’s removal is just the latest in a number of massive changes that have occurred at New Zealand Rugby that signal that actually, ‘hey look, the New Zealand Rugby Union that we have today is a very different beast to the one we had 12 months ago’ and to be perfectly honest, it couldn’t have happened soon enough.”

Randell said NZR had been in a funk over the past seven years, and all indicators suggested there was disillusionment with the game in New Zealand.

He said there had been a lot of issues between NZR and the provinces.

“As a result of that, we’ve ended up in February with a new chairman. They say a fish rots from the head,” Randell said.

“Well, with Dame Patsy Reddy, my personal thing, she did quite a bit of damage to New Zealand Rugby and then she fell out with a lot of our stakeholders, as did the rugby union.

“In result, David Kirk was the new chairman. Now, since then, we were looking for a new CEO because the CEO has essentially been removed. That’s a big call.

“Last week, head of high performance has basically gone … those things don’t happen in a vacuum. But as a result, I believe that the changes that we’ve had at the top and the most recent change that we’ve got, we’ve got to have a new coach.”

Randell said while Robertson’s win record as All Blacks coach was 74 percent, the performances weren’t good enough.

He said the internal review pointed to a culture problem in the All Blacks set up, which led to record-breaking defeats.

“If you have a good culture of the team, you do not have two of your leading assistant coaches leave,” Randell said.

“If the culture of the team is going well, actually, irrespective of win, lose or draw, which the All Blacks you should win, at least the performance of the team should give you some encouragement that they’re on the right track and if you’ve got a good culture of the team, you don’t have colossal losses to the Springboks.”

Randell said losses to nations like Ireland and Argentina had become commonplace, which also pointed to a “terrible” culture.

He said it was easy to determine if things were going well, and Kirk had put it right by sacking Robertson.

Randell also refuted ideas that players had too much influence, and said you didn’t need degree in psychology to see that things weren’t going well.

“One of the things I really liked, irrespective of the decision, is that when it came to making the decision on the coaches, actually the chairman and one of the directors, Keven Mealamu, were directly involved in the review.

“They didn’t farm out that process to some consultants or a board of other people. They did it themselves. That’s what they were elected to do and they did it themselves.”

He said whether supporters agreed with the decision or not, the board had made a strong call and that was a good sign of leadership from NZR.

They’ve got institutional knowledge that’s been missing from the New Zealand Rugby board for a long time, he said.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

Rain wreaked havoc on the ASB tennis Classic in Auckland on Thursday, with just one quarter-final in the men’s singles able to be completed.

Marcos Giron’s three-set win over Luciano Darderi took almost seven hours due to weather delays, the American eventually prevailing over the fourth seed 1-6 7-5 6-4.

“With the rain, I just thought, ‘it’s a new set, start over.’ There’s a solution here, I knew I wasn’t that far off in the first, even though I got beat 6-1. It was just tightening the bolts and I won a few more of those close games,” the American said.

The remaining three quarterfinals have been rescheduled for an earlier start time this morning.

Among them will be top seed and fan favourite Ben Shelton who found himself a set down when his match was officially suspended.

Argentina’s Sebastian Baez led Shelton 7-5, 0-1, when the rain became too relentless.

The match will resume following the completion of Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard against Jakub Mensik with the winner to meet Giron later in the day.

In the final top eight clash on court one at Stanley Street, Eliot Spizzirri and Fabian Marozsan will recommence their battle where Marozsan is ahead five games to four in the first set.

In doubles action, Kiwis Finn Reynolds and James Watt meet Robert Galloway and Alexander Erler in their quarterfinal match-up.

Play will start at the earlier time of 11am.

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Source: Radio New Zealand

There has been mixed reaction in parts of red and black country following the shock axing of All Blacks coach Scott Robertson.

New Zealand Rugby (NZR) confirmed the 51-year-old had departed the position following a recent end-of-season review.

A process would commence immediately to find Robertson’s replacement, NZR said on Thursday afternoon.

The NZ Herald reported the “scathing” post-season review outlined dissatisfaction among senior players around the All Blacks coaching, culture and environment.

At a press conference on Thursday afternoon, NZR chair David Kirk said the “trajectory” of the All Blacks was not on track.

“The All Blacks are not on track the way they need to be on track for the 2027 World Cup,” he said.

In a statement , Robertson said coaching the All Blacks had been an honour and that he was “gutted by the outcome”.

“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,” he said.

Robertson took over as head coach of the national team in 2024, with his appointment confirmed a year earlier, despite his predecessor Ian Foster still at the helm.

His elevation to the coaching position was a largely popular one, particularly in Canterbury, where he led the Crusaders to seven Super Rugby championships.

There was a range of feeling on the streets of central Christchurch, following news of Robertson’s departure.

A Rolleston woman told RNZ she felt the move was hasty, laying blame with how the governing body was run.

“Bureaucracy, the hierarchy and the juxtaposition of people in the rugby union really appals me,” she said.

“I think he should’ve been given another chance.”

RNZ spoke to a couple of patrons at central city sports bar The Loft.

One man said the news had come as a surprise.

“The words we’re seeing from [senior players], maybe it’s warranted. It’s very unlike the All Blacks to do such an act,” he said.

“Maybe the time is right, to bring someone else in.”

He endorsed a move to replace Robertson with Highlanders and former Japan coach Jamie Joseph.

A fellow patron also hoped Joseph would be appointed.

“I think in the modern age you do have to listen to the experienced members of a team,” he said.

“I think it’s fair to be able to take the feedback that’s come over the last six months from some of the key members of the squad. If it means that Razor and [others] lose their jobs for the good of New Zealand Rugby then I think it’s fair.”

Another woman was shocked by the announcement.

“I feel a little sorry for him. I thought he was doing all right. And I like his dancing,” she said.

“Give him a chance.”

The All Blacks won 10 of 14 tests four during Robertson’s first year in charge.

Last year the team clinched 10 wins from their 13-test programme.

The season was ultimately marred by three stinging defeats, including a historic test loss in Argentina, a record-breaking hammering at the hands of the Springboks, and defeat to England at Twickenham on the end of year tour.

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Source: Radio New Zealand

He was heralded as the All Blacks’ saviour.

Calls for the highly accomplished, charismatic, break-dancing coach to take the country’s top job became deafening around Aotearoa. And finally, those calls were answered.

Scott Robertson, having created an incomparable dynasty in Christchurch with the Crusaders, succeeded Ian Foster as the 29th All Blacks head coach in 2024.

But the anticipated Razor-inspired renaissance instead became another dark age for the All Blacks.

Coaching departures, player dissent, and record defeats made for a tumultuous tenure for Robertson, one which has now been unceremoniously cut short.

Here is a timeline of the rise and fall of ‘Razor’:

2024:

The reign of Razor begins

Fresh off a heartbreaking one-point loss in the 2023 World Cup final, a sense of optimism enveloped the country as Robertson won a popular appointment to take over from Foster who was not exactly beloved by the notoriously rabid All Black fan base. Razor didn’t take long to ingratiate himself to the media, fronting for a stand up in early January. Rocking sandals and shorts, Razor made it clear quickly he would bring a unique flavour to the role.

A rosy start

A strong English side arrived on New Zealand shores to usher in a new All Black era and while a winning start for Razor’s men. It was a scrappy and nervy debut in Dunedin, the All Blacks sneaking home 16-15. This was followed by a slightly more convincing win in Auckland 24-17. After two tests of his tenure, Robertson gave himself a “a good pass mark” for his performance.

First cracks

After dispatching Fiji in San Diego, Robertson would inherit the capital curse, suffering his first loss as the Pumas pounced in Wellington, winning 38-30. Just the third time Argentina had toppled the All Black empire.

“I’m disappointed, I’m hurt,” said Robertson after the game. “We’ve just got look ourselves in the mirror and own it.”

MacDonald departs

Just eight months in to his reign, assistant coach Leon MacDonald abruptly handed in his resignation ahead of the tour to South Africa, citing differences in attacking philosophy and coaching direction.

Robertson said he and MacDonald had “differing views” which they couldn’t overcome.

“We have been having some honest conversations with each other for a little while now and both agreed it wasn’t working,” Robertson said at the time.

Beaten back to back by the Boks

MacDonald’s dramatic departure was followed by consecutive defeats to the old foe in the republic. Both tests could have easily gone the way of the Kiwis, but Razor’s side were lacking the killer instinct of past All Black sides, and couldn’t land the decisive blow.

“Our duty demands that we win those games. We will be frank and honest around it,” Robertson said post game.

A glimmer and a glitch

The All Blacks bounced back with five wins on the trot, locking the Bledisloe away for a 20th year in a row with a 31-28 win followed by a more resounding 33-13 in Wellington over the Wallabies.

Victories over Japan and then a 24-22 victory at Twickenham was followed by arguably the best performance by Robertson’s All Blacks as they edged Ireland 23-13. However, the gloss was quickly removed in Paris as the French put a halt to the winning run.

“There were just a couple of little moments where the game swung their way,” Robertson said of the loss to Les Bleus.

Robertson ends the year with 10 wins from 14 tests.

2025:

Understrength French sent packing

The year was again off to a perfect start as the All Blacks got their revenge and swept a third sting French side aside, racking up 103 points in the three test wins.

“We found a way to win and play really good footy,” Robertson said at the conclusion of the series.

Historic loss in South America

Another unwanted blemish on Robertson’s record as the All Blacks were beaten for the first time in history in Argentina soil, going down 29-23 in Buenos Aires. Discipline continues to plague the side, as the All Blacks were shown three yellow cards in the defeat.

“Test footy’s tough, we didn’t get a lot of little things go our way,” said Robertson.

Humiliation in the capital

A week on from their 51st consecutive win at Eden Park came the low point of Robertson’s reign and one of the darkest days in All Black history.

A shellshocked All Black outfit were subjected to a brutal second half blitz from the Boks, as scarcely believable scoreline read 43-10 when the carnage was mercifully ended.

“There were a couple of really big moments there and the game got away,” Roberston said after the rout.

Second-half surrender

Another topsy turvy end of year tour offered both hope and frustration for fans as the All Blacks produced classy wins over Ireland and Scotland, the latter being a brave comeback in Edinburgh, only to let things slip against the English at Twickenham. Second half woes struck again as England racked up 25 unanswered points to take the game away for the eventual 33-19 victory.

“The last couple of games we had finished quite well. But tonight we didn’t do that,” reflected Robertson.

Razor’s record now reads 20 wins from 27 tests, a 74 per cent win rate.

2026:

Razor gets cut

With rumours rife of a player revolt, NZ Rugby make the bold call to sack Robertson with the Rugby World Cup taking place next year.

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Source: Radio New Zealand

The world’s media has reacted with surprise to the “jumpy” dumping of All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson.

Australian sport website The Roar headlined its report: “Razor gets the knife as All Blacks make cut-throat coaching call”.

“In a move straight out of the Rugby Australia playbook, the NZR have become jumpy after an underwhelming and dramatic, albeit moderately successful, two years in charge.

“The surprising departure of two well-credentialled coaches, including Leon MacDonald just months into his tenure because of “philosophical differences”, the clunky nature of their attack, and the side’s inability to problem solve on the run has led the NZR board to act.”

The RugbyPass website looked at what lies ahead.

“While several names, such as Highlanders boss and former Japan coach Jamie Joseph, are swirling as potential replacements, what All Blacks fans know for certain is that a historic schedule awaits whoever is backed to lead the team moving forward.

“A new-look global calendar, which features the inaugural Nations Championship and the return of expanded tours with South Africa, packaged as ‘Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry’, demands the incoming All Blacks coach hit the ground running.”

Sydney’s Daily Telegraph took an Australian slant to its reportage.

“The All Blacks are on the hunt for a new coach to take them through to next year’s Rugby World Cup after Scott Robertson was sensationally sacked less than two years after taking on the job.

“Underperforming Wallabies’ coach Joe Schmidt has also been linked with a return to his homeland but has said he’s staying with Australia until his contract ends in July.

“Schmidt was spared the axe by Rugby Australia despite overseeing an abysmal run of defeats since taking over.”

ESPN examined the lead-up to the axe swinging.

“The All Blacks have parted ways with embattled coach Scott Robertson after a disappointing 2025 season.

“According to multiple reports, including from the NZ Herald, All Blacks on-field leaders had been critical of his strategy, communication, and selections in a year in which they a series of shock losses to the likes of South Africa, Argentina, and England.”

Reuters agency said pressure had been slowly building for the 51-year-old.

“Speculation over Robertson’s future has mounted since December amid reports of friction between senior players and All Blacks staff.

“Robertson, who replaced Ian Foster after the 2023 World Cup, guided the All Blacks to 10 wins out of 13 tests in the 2025 season but the former Canterbury Crusaders coach came under pressure following a first-ever away defeat to Argentina and a record 43-10 loss to South Africa in Wellington.”

A process would commence immediately to find Robertson’s replacement, NZ Rugby said on Thursday.

In a statement, Robertson said coaching the All Blacks had been an honour.

“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,” he 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.”

Robertson said he was “gutted by this outcome”.

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Source: Radio New Zealand

Analysis – Out of the black but was it out of the blue? Scott Robertson’s new status as ex-All Black coach went from a rumour to confirmation quicker than a Will Jordan linebreak, with NZ Rugby (NZR) formally announcing the news on Thursday.

It comes off the back of a 10 win/three loss season, but also due to what’s widely believed to be a damning end of year review by the All Black players.

Is this the first time NZ Rugby has removed an All Black coach?

Yes and no. Robertson holds the dubious distinction of being the first All Black coach to ever be fired, as he will leave with two years remaining on his contract. However, John Mitchell was effectively forced out after the 2003 World Cup failure and a fractured relationship with NZR, while Sir Wayne Smith was asked to reapply for the role and subsequently declined.

What did the review say?

It’s unlikely we’ll ever know exactly, but it’s not out of the question to make a few assumptions. The easiest and most commonly used term for what happened is a coach ‘losing the changing room’, which means that player confidence in them and their systems has severely eroded.

The talk is that senior players found it difficult to buy into Robertson’s coaching style, which was far more ‘big picture’ than figuring out how to overcome second half issues, clunky attack and general consistency. This was pretty evident in the record loss to the Springboks in Wellington, where the All Blacks gave an alarmingly out of character display more akin to a sub-par Super Rugby effort.

The swing of the axe

David Kirk, the World Cup-winning All Black captain, assumed the role of NZR chairman last year with a clear mandate that winning was a priority and the losses this season certainly didn’t help Robertson’s case. What also wouldn’t have helped would be the desire by NZR to avoid looking indecisive after the Ian Foster situation in 2022, as well as the player feedback.

Ardie Savea’s role

The player most linked to dissatisfaction is Ardie Savea, who ironically is coming off a stellar season. The sight of Savea slumped against the goalpost after the loss to England in November spoke volumes, while his desire to be vocal on issues like brand image and salary means it’s not hard think that his correspondence with Kirk would’ve been extremely honest to say the least.

Can Robertson feel hard done by?

He leaves with an overall record of 20 wins from 27 tests, at 74 percent higher than his predecessor Foster and putting him firmly in the middle tier of All Black coaches. While results are the ultimate bottom line, Robertson has been upfront about his role in developing depth across the All Black selection landscape.

This strategic approach isn’t only commendable, it’s vital given the massive attrition rates in test rugby these days. But the downside is that any attempt to do so ultimately gets compared to what Rassie Erasmus has done with the Springboks, often without understanding the vast differences between the two nations’ domestic set ups. If Robertson leaves any legacy, it will likely be this, as whoever takes over will have to carry on that depth-building project.

It’s also worth noting that Robertson’s regime started with a clean slate from almost top to bottom, with many aspects of simply running the All Blacks being reinvented.

What now for Robertson?

While test rugby proved to be an ultimately unsuccessful step up for him, it’s unlikely he will be unemployed for too long. His record at domestic level is perfect, having guided the Crusaders to seven straight Super Rugby titles, so there will be plenty of clubs around the world who will be happy to have a chat.

But will he have another crack at test rugby sometime in the future? You’d have to think so, given the resources that the likes of England can provide and their propensity to look abroad for coaching staff.

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Source: Radio New Zealand

Netball New Zealand has appointed an interim chief executive and a new Silver Ferns high performance lead, who both come with impressive CVs.

Jane Patterson has been hired as interim boss, following Jennie Wyllie’s decision to step down as CEO in December 2025 after nine year’s in the job.

And a former NBA performance director, Chelsea Lane, has been appointed as Head of Performance – Silver Ferns.

Wyllie stepped down after what will be remembered as Netball New Zealand’s most turbulent year. In 2025 the organisation struggled to secure a broadcast deal for the ANZ Premiership, the sport’s domestic showpiece.

But the biggest damage to the organisation’s reputation came in September when it announced that Silver Ferns’ coach Dame Noeline Taurua was being suspended, due to concerns in the high performance environment, sparked by player complaints.

The saga played out in the media for weeks before Dame Noeline was eventually reinstated, but calls for ‘heads to roll’ at Netball NZ came from many quarters of the netball community.

Patterson has more than three decades of experience across sport and major events in New Zealand and internationally. Her career highlights include serving as Chief Operating Officer (New Zealand) for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023.

She spent four years as COO and CMO of IRONMAN Asia Pacific and previously held the role of CEO of the Netball World Cup 2007, hosted in New Zealand. Most recently, she served as Interim CEO of Badminton New Zealand, a role she completed in December.

Patterson, who steps into the role on 19 January, believes she has a strong connection to the history, people and traditions that underpin netball in Aotearoa.

“Since first playing netball at the age of seven, I’ve carried a deep respect for the game and its proud place in New Zealand sport. Stepping into this role comes with a real sense of responsibility, and I’m committed to working alongside our staff, the Board, and the wider community to ensure the organisation remains strong, united, and focused for the future.

“My immediate focus as Interim CEO is to provide stability, clarity, and support across the organisation. This is a time to listen, to connect with our staff and communities nation-wide, and to ensure netball is well positioned for the future – both on and off the court,” Patterson said.

Lane’s appointment has been described as “further strengthening leadership within the Silver Ferns high performance programme.”

The Netball New Zealand press release said Lane will support the Silver Ferns with a clear, aligned, reliable and world-class performance system, “helping to assemble the team that will take the programme forward.”

Lane has more than 20 years’ experience across elite and professional sport, including senior roles with NBA franchises and national sporting bodies.

Her career includes helping transform the Atlanta Hawks from a low-performing franchise to a top-three NBA team within three seasons, as well as contributing to multiple NBA championships with the Golden State Warriors.

Netball New Zealand said closer to home, her work had strengthened high-performance capability at NZ Cricket and Basketball New Zealand, alongside mentoring performance leaders internationally.

Silver Ferns head coach Dame Noeline Taurua said: “Chelsea’s proven ability to align performance, people and culture will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen the Silver Ferns programme. I’m looking forward to working closely with her as we prepare for the challenges and opportunities ahead.”

Netball New Zealand believe both appointments will provide stability, additional support and experienced leadership at an important time for netball in Aotearoa.

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Source: Radio New Zealand

Scott “Razor” Robertson, only a few years ago hailed as the future of All Black rugby after taking the Crusaders to multiple Super Rugby championships, has been dumped as All Black coach.

A process would commence immediately to find Robertson’s replacement, NZ Rugby said in a statement on Thursday.

“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,” NZR chair David Kirk said.

“Both NZR and Scott agree it is in the best interests of the team that he depart his role.

“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.”

Kirk thanked Robertson.

“He has continued to put the All Blacks first and we respect that he has done the hard but right thing in agreeing to depart.”

There had been mounting speculation after an internal report into the 2025 All Black games found dissatisfaction among senior players.

Robertson’s short tenure has been marred by turmoil.

Just eight months into his reign, assistant coach Leon MacDonald abruptly handed in his resignation ahead of the tour to South Africa, citing differences in attacking philosophy and coaching direction.

This was followed by back-to-back defeats in the republic.

The Otago Daily Times earlier speculated Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph could take over the All Blacks if Scott Robertson does lose his job.

Under Robertson, the All Blacks also suffered their heaviest defeat in history, humiliated by the Springboks 43-10 in Wellington and were beaten on Argentinian soil for the first time.

However, the Razor era hasn’t all been doom and gloom. The All Blacks managed to keep the Eden Park streak intact with a gutsy victory over South Africa, and maintained New Zealand’s two-decade Bledisloe Cup dominance.

With Robertson overseeing the side, the All Blacks have had a 74 percent win rate, with 20 wins from 27 tests.

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