All Blacks coach Scott Robertson departs his role
All Blacks coach Scott Robertson is departing the role two years into the job.
New Zealand Rugby (NZR) issued a statement confirming Robertson is finishing in his position.
Foreign All Blacks coach possible
Scott Palmer
Kirk did not rule out a foreign coach taking charge of the All Blacks.
"We haven't had that discussion at the board yet, so it's not appropriate for me to preempt that."
CEO search continues
Scott Palmer
The CEO search is continuing and Kirk is confident the right person will be found.
"It's always emotional to talk about these sorts of things," Kirk said regarding his conversation with Robertson. "But I'm not going to go into any further detail."
Kirk said Robertson will not need to be paid out for two years but couldn't provide any more information.
When asked if it was a mistake to not contract Robertson for two years, Kirk said the case could be made "either way."
Kirk had "no idea" whether the new coach will review the captaincy.
Robertson has some constraints on who he can work for next for about a year; Kirk suggested this primarily regards him working with other tier one nations.
All Blacks 'fell into a dark hole'
Scott Palmer
The NZ Rugby chair felt the All Blacks fell into areas of "shortfall" as of late.
"We fell into a dark hole in the third quarter at times, we gave away a lot of penalties at times," Kirk said.
"Those are not the definitive reasons why of anything. It's a stronger trajectory about where we need to be."
Can All Blacks still win 2027 Rugby World Cup?
Scott Palmer
The decision for Robertson to depart had nothing to do with how previous coaches were appointed or a desire to seem decisive, Kirk said.
Kirk has "no doubt" the All Blacks have players good enough to beat the Springboks in South Africa and win the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Kirk expects to see Ardie Savea in a black jersey again as he is contracted to NZ Rugby until the end of 2027.
He said he was surprised about the "thoughtfulness" and "intelligence" of the players when it came to how they cared about the team, the success of the team and the legacy.
Ardie Savea 'absolutely was not' influential in sacking - Kirk
Scott Palmer
Kirk was definitive in saying there was no revolt.
"Definitely no revolt. I can be absolutely definitive. There is no revolt by the players. The players are very measured and very thoughtful in their responses."
Kirk was clear Ardie Savea "absolutely was not" influential in the final decision.
"I also think it's very unfair to say that Ardie somehow led something, not at all.
"He expressed public opinions, but some of those opinions were not agreed to by other players. Some of them would have been somewhat aligned with them, but all of the players are individuals."
All Blacks leadership group told before announcement
Scott Palmer
Close to 20 players had been canvassed in the review, but no names were specifically given by Kirk.
The leadership group were told of the decision prior to an official announcement.
Kirk said they "absorbed" the news and didn't ask too many questions.
"The players were very thoughtful... there was absolutely no preconceptions.
"Every player thought carefully about it and sometimes they answered 'yes, I'm not satisfied with that'. So there was no bitterness."
Kirk would not say whether any players wanted Robertson to stay on.
No specific name is currently in mind for who will be the new head coach of the All Blacks.
Trajectory not going in right direction - Kirk
Scott Palmer
Kirk praised Robertson for introducing new players to the All Blacks, but NZ Rugby weren't seeing the "trajectory" they wanted.
"I think there's always a momentum in these things," he said.
Kirk said this was a decision made by the board.
Decision 'in the best interests' of NZR
Scott Palmer
NZ Rugby and Scott Robertson had discussions after reaching this conclusion and mutually agreed he would step down.
"I really have a great deal of respect for Scott Robertson," Kirk said.
"He has stepped down on the basis of what he believes and we believe is in the best interests of New Zealand Rugby and of the team.
"That's very typical of Scott, that he would do what he thought was right and best for the team.
"So we thank him very much for that and we also pay tribute to the broader contribution he's made to New Zealand rugby over an extended period of time."
All Blacks 'not on track' - Kirk
Scott Palmer
New Zealand Rugby Chair David Kirk said a comprehensive review has taken place now the mid-point of the World Cup cycle has been reached.
"Everyone will be aware that we're at that crucial mid-period in the four-year World Cup cycle.
"Two years in and so I'm sure unsurprising for everyone, the New Zealand Rugby Board and management have taken a very comprehensive review."
Kirk said the All Blacks were "not on track", and didn't think they would be without changes.
"The All Blacks are not on track in the way that we need them to be on track for the 2027 World Cup, and indeed for what will be a very demanding year in 2026 with the four matches against South Africa in rugby's greatest rivalry."
NZR chair set to speak after Robertson's departure
Scott Palmer
New Zealand Rugby chair David Kirk is set to speak to media after Scott Robertson departed his role as head coach of the All Blacks.
Robertson left following the completion of the 2025 end of season review.
In an earlier statement, Kirk said they had taken an "extensive look" at the team’s progress on and off the field.
"[We] have subsequently had discussions with Scott on the way forward.
"Both NZR and Scott agree it is in the best interests of the team that he depart his role as head coach.”
Kirk is due to speak at 4pm.
In the statement, chair 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 NZR and Scott agree it is in the best interests of the team that he depart his role as Head Coach.”
In his own separate statement, Robertson said:
“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.”
Kirk acknowledged Robertson’s contribution to the All Blacks.
“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.”
The statement said NZR was starting its search for a replacement.
Robertson’s exit comes a day after the Herald reported a possible player revolt and a scathing end-of-year review.
Last December, the Herald revealed widespread internal frustrations from players and support staff following the All Blacks’ failed Grand Slam tour.
That feedback has now come through loud and clear in the All Blacks internal review, leaving NZR hierarchy under serious pressure to deliver sweeping coaching changes.
The Herald understands the most critical feedback of the All Blacks coaching, culture and environment stems from senior players, with frustrations building throughout Scott Robertson’s two-year tenure.
Robertson and his leading assistant Scott Hansen are among those to receive critical feedback.
Issues have been evident on the field with the All Blacks displaying wild inconsistencies, third-quarter fades, struggling attack, high-ball vulnerabilities and defensive lapses.
The departure of two assistant coaches, Leon MacDonald and Jason Holland, in the past two years also sparked concerns.
Robertson’s contract was scheduled to run through until the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Highlanders and All Blacks XV coach Jamie Joseph would be favourite to replace Robertson as head coach.
In Chicago, in October, Kirk told the Herald the All Blacks coaching unit was still “finding their feet a bit”.
Those comments came before the All Blacks’ victory against Ireland in the US city, and the loss against England on the UK leg of the tour.
“They’ve played very well at times, and they haven’t played as well at times,” said Kirk. “They know that better than anyone else. It’s been a bit inconsistent, and I know that the coaching group is not happy with that. The players aren’t happy with that.
“We are looking for – and New Zealand is looking for – increasing consistency, improving consistency from the team.”
He said NZR management and the board appointed the coach and group, and “then we support them”.
“We obviously have a high-performance review system, which is happening on a regular basis. It happens after major events and at the end of each year.
“We take that very seriously but the board is not there to reach into management’s purview and start having opinions about coaches or coaching processes partway through years. Our job is to govern the game, not manage it.”
The All Blacks have a big year ahead with the inaugural Nations Championship kicking off in July with France, Italy and Ireland visiting New Zealand followed by an eight-match tour of South Africa including four tests against the world champions.
Since his appointment after the 2023 World Cup in France, Robertson has led the All Blacks in 27 tests, for 20 victories with seven defeats at a success rate of just over 74%.
Predecessor Ian Foster’s win rate was 69.6%.