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Live sport on SN this weekendRazor blunted: Robertson departs as All Blacks coach
Sport Nation • January 15th, 2026 5:55 pm
Scott Robertson | Photo: Photosport
Scott Robertson's tenure as All Blacks coach is over.
After a damning internal review of the All Blacks, Robertson has been sacked by NZ Rugby just two years into his four-year contract.
Conducted by David Kirk and Keven Mealamu, the review reportedly revealed widespread dissatisfaction with Robertson's coaching, leadership, and the culture he'd established behind closed doors.
Robertson finishes with a record of 20 wins from 27 Test matches for a success rate of 74 percent.
"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 said in a statement. "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."
NZR says the recruitment process for Robertson's replacement will begin immediately, with an update expected in the next few days.
Photo: Kerry Marshall/Photosport
Jamie Joseph is the likely frontrunner as his replacement, with Dave Rennie and Joe Schmidt also potential candidates.
Kirk acknowledged Robertson’s contribution to the All Blacks.
"I would like to thank Scott for his contribution to the All Blacks," he added.
"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."
Sam Casey: The 'Razor Era' is over | Sport Nation
In a statement released following confirmation of his departure, Robertson said he was "gutted" to part ways with the All Blacks.
"Coaching the All Blacks has been the honour of my life," he said.
"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.
"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.
"As you can imagine, I am gutted by this outcome. I care deeply about this team."
Robertson's success with the Crusaders at Super Rugby level earned him appointment as head coach in 2023, named as Ian Foster's successor before the completion of the World Cup in France.
His tenure was marred by some undesirable historical milestones, including the All Blacks' first defeats to Argentina both home and away, as well as their first series defeat to Ireland in New Zealand.
The team also came up consistently short against the top-tier nations in some lopsided results, most notably a 43-10 hammering by the Springboks in Wellington and a 33-19 loss to England during last year's European tour.
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt catches up with his New Zealand counterpart Scott Robertson | Photo: Andrew Cornaga/AAP
During a press conference on Thursday afternoon, NZ Rugby chair David Kirk outlined the reasoning behind Scott Robertson’s departure.
“We weren't seeing the trajectory that we wanted.”
Kirk also addressed speculation that a so-called “player revolt” contributed to Robertson losing his job, following reports suggesting Ardie Savea may have played a role.
“No, it’s not player power, it’s the mature and appropriate listening to players.”
“I think it's, it's very unfair to, to say that Ardie somehow led something, not at all. He expressed public opinions, but some of those opinions were not agreed to by other players.”
When asked about who might replace Robertson, Kirk said no specific candidates had been identified.
“No one in mind, (we’re) completely open. We’re going to cast the net wide.”
David Kirk speaks to media following Scott Robertson's All Blacks exit | Sport Nation
