Robertson: I've put everything into it

REACTION: Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson broke his silence after losing out on the All Blacks coaching job.

New Zealand Rugby named Ian Foster as the new All Blacks head coach Wednesday, promoting the 54-year-old to the role after eight years as an assistant under illustrious predecessor Steve Hansen.

Foster, Hansen’s preferred candidate, was the favourite to take over and rebuild the All Blacks after a disappointing World Cup semifinal exit this year.

He beat main rival Robertson to the job, despite the Crusaders mentor winning three straight Super Rugby titles, with New Zealand Rugby saying Foster offered “fresh energy”.

“There’s always a natural process as a human, there’s a natural disappointment because I’ve put everything into it,” Robertson told the NZ Herald.

“They think they have the best man for the job and, look, through the process I did everything I possibly could; they got who I was and how I would have loved to have led the All Blacks and they were clear with my vision and how we were going to do it, but it wasn’t to be.

“It’s been a good four months, hasn’t it? It feels like it’s been an election in its own way. I prepared well, everyone understands what I’ve done with my record…I had a great two and a half hours in front of the board and it went another way.

“I flicked a text [to Foster] to say congratulations to him. It’s been a big few months and obviously it’s nothing personal, he’s in a position like me and wants to do the best for himself and the country.”

Robertson shrugged off suggestions he would look for work overseas.

“I’m coaching the team I love, where I’ve had a lot of great moments as a player and now as a coach, I’ve got a lot of special bonds and a chance to do something pretty special,” he said.

Source: NZ Herald & AFP