New Zealand Rugby says Jamie Joseph appointment is what is ‘right for the All Blacks XV role right now’
Sunday, 5 October 2025
NZ Rugby ‘hopeful the All Blacks succeed and Scott Robertson has a long tenure’.
All Blacks XV will play Barbarians, England ‘A’ and Uruguay.
Joseph’s squad will include players who could be All Blacks by RWC 2027.
New Zealand Rugby head of high performance Mike Anthony says the appointment of Jamie Joseph to the All Blacks XV role shouldn’t be viewed a locked-in succession plan for the All Blacks job.
Joseph will take charge of the All Blacks XV in three game in November - the Barbarians, England ‘A’ and Uruguay - and has been identified as the right coach due his experience and ability to run a campaign on limited preparation time.
Anthony said the Highlanders coach will also take charge of a 30-man squad that will also likely be buoyed by some full All Blacks for the second tour game, and just as importantly include some younger players who have been identified as potential All Blacks in the next two years.
Joseph’s appointment has also led to speculation that he was being lined up to replace Scott Robertson in 2028, but when asked if this was NZ Rugby’s thinking, Anthony told the Sunday Star-Times this week: “We’re really hopeful that the All Blacks succeed and ‘Razor’ [Robertson] and the crew have a long tenure.
“At this this stage this is what is right for the role right now for the ABs XV and who is the best candidate for that.
“And Jamie…is the right person for that. The appointment was made around what’s best for the All Blacks XV right now.
“It’s great with his international experience … the alignment with the All Blacks and how we support that program, particularly when you look ahead to 2026 with South Africa [the eight-game tour] and a World Cup in 2027.”
Anthony first spoke to Joseph about the role during a trip to Dunedin after Super Rugby, and strong feedback from the Highlanders players during their season review had reinforced NZ Rugby’s view of of the former Japan and Māori All Blacks coach.
“Players trust him,” Anthony said, noting the contract extensions signed by All Blacks XV candidates such as Jacob Ratumaiatavuki-Kneepkens and Caleb Tangitau.
“The feedback was really positive for a team that finished last but showed at times they were really competitive.
“You know with Jamie they’re going to be tough, they’re going to be fit and they’re really enjoying the environment down there.”
Joseph’s ability to mentor young players and coaches is a good fit for the All Blacks XV, which has become a significant develop vehicle for NZ Rugby.
The test landscape is far too challenging in the modern era for the All Blacks to take project players who could be given a relatively gentle introduction into the big time as part of a dominant All Blacks side.
The exit of the South Africans from Super Rugby has closed another window for player development, raising the importance of the All Blacks XV squad.
About 40 players are currently in contention for a touring spot in Joseph’s squad, and Anthony said there would likely be some room created for All Blacks players of the future.
“It is about a balance,” Anthony said. “Ultimately, the All Blacks XV is our next best so you want to select on form but 100% with that lens of ‘what does the future look like’ around some positions.
“For example, we’ll look to take three specialists at hooker and No 9, so is there an opportunity in those positions?
“Or if we’ve got four or five midfielders have we got the ability to include some talent that is still showing some form at NPC level but [lets us] play the long game by bringing them in?
“…The All Blacks will ultimately be thinking about what the group is going to look like in 2027, and that’s going to influence [selection] heavily.”