Scott Robertson sacking: All Blacks ‘not on track’ for World Cup success
Thursday, 15 January 2026
What do you think of the decision to sack Razor?
All Blacks coach Scott Robertson had to go because the team wasn’t “on track” for next year’s World Cup, according to NZ Rugby’s chairman.
Robertson was just two years into his four-year contract as coach of the national squad.
While NZ Rugby chairman David Kirk said he had a “great deal of respect” for the outgoing coach, a damning review - based in part on player feedback - ultimately sealed his fate.
That review was undertaken in the last couple of weeks of last year, said Kirk, and material from it was gathered together and presented to the board.
“The view … was that the All Blacks are not on track in the way we need them to be on track for the 2027 Rugby World Cup,” Kirk told reporters on Thursday evening.
The review into the 2025 season - carried out by Kirk, NZR board member and former test hooker Keven Mealamu and former NZR high performance manager Don Tricker - has been scathing of his coaching and leadership.
It has been reported player unrest has built under the former Crusaders coach, who was himself an All Black.
Under Robertson the All Blacks have 20 wins from 27 matches, among the losses a record 43-10 defeat against the Springboks in Wellington last September, after leading 10-7 at halftime.
While Kirk said it wasn't fair to elaborate on the findings of the review, he said it provided “clear direction” for the decision that was reached.
The quest to find a successor begins immediately, said Kirk, and the team was “completely open” to who could take over - though added that the question of a foreigner coaching the squad had not been discussed by the board.
“We’re going to open the net wide.”
Kirik wouldn’t provide specific suggestions for what a new coach needed to do differently, saying this “puts a cross on the forehead” of the new hire.
Asked about particular shortfalls in Robertson’s performance, Kirk cited inconsistencies in the team’s performance.
A large number of players along with senior management were canvassed as part of the review process. “There was a consistent theme, a consistent direction, which is what we followed up on.”
Kirk said he wasn't concerned this decision could split the team. “Some people know him better than others, but all players respect their coaches.”
He added: “players are players, they get on with it … I think the players get on with whatever environment they're in”.
“It's not about point results … it's about is the team setting itself up for future success.”
Razor ‘gutted’
While Robertson did not front media after his sudden departure, he said in a statement he was “gutted by this outcome“.
“[I am] incredibly proud of what this team has achieved and of the progress we have made”.
He pointed to the young players that have strengthened the depth across the squad, which he said have “set solid foundations for the years ahead”.
“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.”
New Zealand Rugby said in a statement that a process would being immediately to recruit a new head coach.
“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,” New Zealand Rugby (NZR) chairperson David Kirk said.
“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.”
Kirk acknowledged Robertson’s contribution to the All Blacks across a long period of time.
“On behalf of New Zealand Rugby I would like to thank Scott for his contribution to the All Blacks. As always, 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.
“His passion for the team as both a player and coach is evident and his commitment to and involvement in rugby in New Zealand at every level over a long period is significant. We wish him well for the future.”
The All Blacks are scheduled to play next in three July Nations Championship matches in New Zealand.
While Kirk wouldn’t speculate on who could take over, Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph is reportedly the clear front-runner to take over the role.
Highlanders CEO Roger Clark said he was aware of the rumours, but had heard nothing official. Nor had his Crusaders counterpart Colin Mansbridge, when Clark called him.
The Post today tried to contact Robertson and called his agent Warren Alcock on Wednesday. Robertson did not answer, Alcock said he had nothing to say.
Nor would former NZR high performance boss Mike Anthony talk about the issue.
Anthony this week said he was joining English Premier League football side Brighton after more than 15 years with the NZR.
The Irish Independent newspaper broke the report that has spread widely.
It said the change comes amid mounting internal unrest within the All Blacks calling it “player power”. The internal review was critical of coaching, culture and communication.
NZR has bowed to pressure from players and others inside the program, the newspaper said.
The report suggested this change would happen roughly 20 months out from the next Rugby World Cup, highlighting the timing as particularly dramatic, as it was unusual for a coach to be removed in the middle of a World Cup cycle.
The World Cup is to take place in Australia in October and November 2027, with the opening match in Perth and the final at Stadium Australia in Sydney.
Robertson did not answer the door at his Christchurch home, when The Press rang the doorbell
People on the street in his beachside neighbourhood of Sumner did not support him being sacked, especially 20 months out from the World Cup.
Ian Nicholas said he thought there was 'something going on' within the All Blacks.
'They've lost two coaches,' he said. Leon MacDonald and Jason Holland had both quit the coaching set up under Robertson.
Nicholas said he had thought it was a bit on the nose when Robertson was announced as Ian Foster's replacement, before Foster had even finished in the role.
Brian Barker was also worried about how close it was to the World Cup. 'The players are starting to run the ship … player power doesn't work; the coach is the boss.'
Chris de Wys said, what he saw of Robertson, he seemed 'sanguine'.
'I thought he was a good coach. He coached the Crusaders for many years. You've got to lose a game sometimes.'
''Stick with him,' said Rob, another fan who did not want to give his last name.
'I think he's doing a good job,' he said, suggesting the pool of players wasn't what it what it used to be.
He said there was too much focus put on winning.
'When results don't go your way, everyone gets pessimistic. Who will replace him? You've got to give him some time, it's only been two years.'
He also mentioned the coaches’ mantra: 'Judge me on my World Cup.'
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