All Black star blindsided by coach's resignation

SPOTLIGHT: It seems the All Black camp is still coming to terms with Jason Holland’s decision to leave the team.

The backs coach surprised everyone ahead of New Zealand’s Grand Slam tour when he confirmed that he will finish his role when his current contract concludes at the end of the 2025 season.

Holland revealed his decision to Robertson after the second Bledisloe Cup Test match. However, the players were informed last Thursday on the first day of camp, ahead of preparations for the Northern Tour.

From a player’s point of view, All Black hooker Codie Taylor said there were no hints that Holland would not extend his contract.

“I would be lying if I said I was not surprised,” Taylor told stuff.co.nz.

The All Blacks are in Chicago for their tour opener against Ireland, but they will not allow Holland’s upcoming exit to distract the team.

“It hasn’t changed anything, Alfie [Holland] has owned it straight away in one of the first meetings we had on this tour,” Taylor explained.

“He wants to give his all before he steps away.

“But on a personal level, I have the utmost respect for him to be able to do that.

“He is obviously aware of some stuff that he wants to work on away from rugby.”

Holland is not the first full-time assistant coach to leave Robertson’s team.

Last year, Leon MacDonald left his staff on the eve of their Rugby Championship Tests in South Africa due to a clash of coaching styles.

Source: Stuff