The 'new' All Black coach that could do the most damage to Boks
OPINION: While New Zealand take a collective breath and ponders the fall-out of the culling of Scott Robertson as All Black coach, it will also be met with trepidation in South Africa.
New Zealand Rugby confirmed on Thursday that Robertson has departed his role as All Blacks coach, following the completion of the 2025 end-of-season review.
NZ Rugby Chairman David Kirk said the search for a replacement will commence immediately.
Robertson admitted his ‘departure’ is in the best interests of the All Black team.
Apart from all the obvious conjecture about the real reasons [given that the statements from both were rather cryptic], the focus will now shift to the leading and most likely candidates.
To start, I list the most likely candidates.
They include Jamie Joseph, Ian Foster, Joe Schmidt, Dave Rennie and Pat Lam.
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Joseph, by all accounts the frontrunner, is the man who could do the most damage to the Springboks’ status as the world’s No.1-ranked team.
Joseph was a primary candidate for the All Black coaching role before Scott Robertson was appointed in March 2023.
In fact, Joseph was considered the only other significant contender.
NZ Rugby narrowed the selection process down to two candidates, Robertson and Joseph.
Now, if the latter wins the ‘vote’ this time round, he could do some serious damage to Springbok ambitions.
It relates not only to his well-documented coaching strategy, but also to the IP he can ‘pilfer’ from the South African ranks.
Tony Brown, the Bok attack coach, was on the Joseph ticket when he sought the All Black job post the 2023 World Cup.
Brown was a sought-after candidate and approached by both Ian Foster and Scott Robertson to join their coaching teams, before Scott Robertson was appointed.
Brown ultimately turned down both offers to stay with Joseph’s Japan setup and then later joined the Springbok setup.
His intimate knowledge of Rassie Erasmus modus operandi will be invaluable to Joseph.
It will also disrupt the legwork that has been done to evolve the Boks’ attacking structures.
Ian Foster, who stepped away from the All Black job after the 11-12 loss to the Springboks at the 2023 World Cup Final in Paris, served from 2019 to 2023, succeeding Steve Hansen.
Before his head coaching role, he was a highly successful assistant coach (2012-2019) known for his tactical input, particularly in attack, contributing to the 2015 World Cup win. He transitioned to coaching after a prominent playing career for Waikato and the Chiefs.
Will he be willing to return? Formally (or publicly), the answer is no!
Behind the scenes, the picture may look different.
Joe Schmidt could also be a good candidate, but he is still contracted with the Wallabies till July.
Originally, Schmidt was due to step down from his role with the Wallabies after the Rugby Championship, but agreed to stay until the end of July to ensure a smooth transition to incoming coach Les Kiss, who will finish the Super Rugby season with the Reds.
Schmidt is a highly-rated, tactically brilliant coach and has had well-documented success with Ireland. However, his family commitments complicate his potential appointment. His family situation, particularly his son’s epilepsy, has often led him to prioritise being in New Zealand and avoid intense, long-term international roles.
Then there are other names like Dave Rennie, Pat Lam, and Wayne Smith thrown into the hat, even though Smith has publicly and repeatedly said he’s no longer interested in coaching.
If Jamie Joseph is appointed, it will almost certainly result in the loss of Tony Brown to the Bok cause.
NZ Rugby Statement: Scott Robertson
Scott Robertson has departed his role as Head Coach of the All Blacks following the completion of the 2025 end of season review.
A process will commence immediately to recruit a new Head Coach.
New Zealand Rugby Chairman David Kirk said: “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. 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 NZ Rugby and Scott agree it is in the best interests of the team that he depart his role as Head Coach.”
Kirk acknowledged Robertson’s contribution to the All Blacks across a long period of time.
“On behalf of New Zealand Rugby I would like to thank Scott for his contribution to the All Blacks. 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.”
NZ Rugby will now commence the All Blacks’ Head Coach recruitment process immediately and will provide an update in the coming days.
The All Blacks are scheduled to play next in three July Nations Championship matches in New Zealand.
Statement from Scott Robertson.
“Coaching the All Blacks has been the honour of my life. 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.
“Given the sensitivity of this situation I will not be making any further comment.”
@JanDKrugby
