All Blacks Head Coach Scott Robertson Sacked Ahead of 2027 Rugby World Cup
- New Zealand Rugby has cut ties with head coach Scott Robertson in a move that reshapes the All Blacks’ World Cup pathway
- The decision follows a bruising internal assessment of the team’s direction and culture, with questions raised about leadership cohesion
- Attention now shifts to who will take charge of a demanding 2026 campaign packed with heavyweight fixtures, including an extended Springboks tour
New Zealand Rugby has taken the drastic decision to part ways with All Blacks head coach Scott “Razor” Robertson, confirming his dismissal on Thursday, 15 January 2025, following a bruising performance review and growing speculation about internal unrest.
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The call comes less than two years before the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, with the national union deeming the mid-cycle point the moment to reset. Robertson, 51, exits with a record of 20 wins from 27 Tests, solid on paper, but not enough to satisfy New Zealand’s benchmarks for global dominance.
Senior figures inside the All Blacks set-up reportedly voiced frustration during the 2025 season, while suggestions emerged that star loose forward Ardie Savea was considering walking away from the set-up if changes weren’t made.
NZ Rugby eyes fresh direction
NZ Rugby chair David Kirk said that the organisation had reached a mutual agreement with Robertson, stressing the need to position the All Blacks for success in 2027.
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“We’ve taken an extensive look at the team’s progress on and off the field,” Kirk said in a statement, adding that both parties believed it was “in the best interests of the team” for Robertson to step aside.
Robertson admitted the decision was painful but maintained pride in what had been built during his spell in charge.
“Coaching the All Blacks has been the honour of my life,” he said, adding that he believed the next generation had been well ushered into Test rugby and that the squad depth had improved.
Robertson took over in January 2024 on a deal through to 2027, arriving with huge hype after leading the Crusaders to seven consecutive Super Rugby titles and becoming a fan favourite for his forward-thinking style and his trademark post-victory break-dance celebrations.
However, the transition to Test rugby proved turbulent. Assistant coaches Leon MacDonald and Jason Holland resigned within two years, citing differences with Robertson, while a public dispute about authority within the coaching structure only fuelled talk of dysfunction.
All Blacks 2026 packed schedule
Otago Highlanders boss Jamie Joseph, a former Japan coach, has been tipped as a leading contender to take over, while former Wallabies coach Dave Rennie has also been linked.
The new coach will inherit a demanding 2026 Test calendar including home Nations Cup fixtures against France, Italy and Ireland, plus an eight-match tour of South Africa featuring four Tests against the Springboks.
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August brings one of rugby’s greatest rivalries as the Springboks host the All Blacks in a four-match series. The first encounter takes place at Ellis Park, Johannesburg, on 22 August, followed by fixtures in Cape Town on 29 August, Johannesburg again on 5 September, and a fourth date yet to be confirmed on 12 September. South Africa will be keen to replicate last year’s dominant 43-10 win over the New Zealand giants.
All Blacks legend reveals cancer battle
Briefly News previously reported that a former All Blacks front-row star has opened up about a challenging cancer battle that changed his outlook on life.
The two-time Rugby World Cup winner, who currently serves as an assistant coach with Japan’s national side, revealed that he was diagnosed with testicular cancer
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Source: Briefly News
