Scott Robertson has been sacked as New Zealand head coach following a season review for 2025, which concluded that the two parties needed to part ways.
The review reportedly found that player unrest, particularly among senior members of the squad, was a core factor in Robertson’s dismissal.
While low by All Blacks standards, Robertson departs with a solid record of 20 wins from 27 matches, a 74% win rate.
NZR official statement
New Zealand Rugby chairman David Kirk said it was the “right time” to make the change, following a judgment on Robertson’s progress as head coach and his impact on the players.
“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,” stated on the official All Blacks website.
“The team are set to play a significant 2026 schedule and the tournament in 2027 remains the key goal.
“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.”
Details of the review
Kirk led the review, alongside NZR board member and former All Blacks hooker Keven Mealamu, and former NZR high performance manager Don Tricker.
More details are likely to be revealed over the next few weeks regarding the sacking, however, it’s reported that the potential threat of senior players leaving the All Blacks environment was one of the main reasons for Robertson’s departure.
As was reported in the NZ Herald on January 14, star All Black Ardie Savea was revealed to be unhappy with the current All Black environment and coaching set-up.
The report alluded to Savea potentially not returning for the 2026 season, should the coaching staff continue.
The focus of the unrest was largely on the approach of Robertson’s assistant, Scott Hansen, whose relationship with senior players had reportedly turned sour.
In late 2025, Robertson suggested his influence within the side had been somewhat diminished, saying Hansen “effectively operates in the role most would recognise as the head coach”.
Those comments, however, were later described as having been taken “out of context” by New Zealand Rugby’s professional rugby and performance general manager, Chris Lendrum.
The situation has since been viewed as a potential indicator of the unrest that ultimately led to Robertson’s sacking.
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Robertson “incredibly proud” of his All Blacks tenure
“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,” Robertson said, reported on Sky Sports.
“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.
“I am incredibly proud of what this team has achieved and of the progress we have made.”
With the 2027 World Cup in Australia on the horizon, it remains unclear who will take over the reins of the All Blacks, although current Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph is being touted as a frontrunner.
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