Crusaders boss eyes All Blacks job

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Crusaders coach Scott Robertson revealed his interest in taking up the role as the new New Zealand head coach after the 2019 World Cup amidst speculation of Steve Hansen’s future plans.

Current All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen is expected to make an announcement on his future on December 17.

And with Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt, who many pundits believe to be the ideal candidate to replace Hansen, announcing his retirement from coaching after the World Cup, there is a huge opportunity for Robertson.

According to Stuff, Robertson, who is off-contract with the Crusaders after the 2019 Super Rugby season, made no secret that Hansen’s decision will play a part in his own “big decision” in three or four months.

Robertson’s coaching résumé does hold loads of value. The coach guided the Crusaders to back-to-back Super Rugby titles, and New Zealand to an under-20 World Cup crown in 2015.

“The All Blacks job doesn’t come up too often. When it does, you have to have a real good look at it,” the 44-year-old told Stuff.

“The biggest thing for me, that’s served me well, is the patience side of it, and the ability to get your timing right. I’ve got a great job at the moment and I’ve got a big decision in the next three or four months – what’s going to happen in 2020, and I’ll just see where the cards fall with other coaches and just see what opportunities there are,”

“I’m working with the New Zealand Rugby union at the moment about what it [2020 and beyond] looks like. We know Steve [Hansen] is going to make a play soon, so we’ll see what he has to say.”

Source: @NZStuffSport