Scott Robertson: Departed All Blacks coach can assess chances of landing new international role
Scott Robertson has a job. For a few weeks at least.
The former All Blacks head coach was today announced as the Barbarians coach for their two clashes against South Africa and Wales in July.
It’s great to see him returning to coaching but the Baa-baas is a casual winter job. What are his potential future prospects?
As reported by Gregor Paul in the Herald, as part of what was believed to be a circa $1 million termination settlement with New Zealand Rugby, Robertson has restrictions on where he can coach until the end of the year, and is understood to have agreed a 12-month restraint of trade from coaching top-tier nations.
That means he’ll have to wait until next January for a role with a Nations Championship side, and it seems unlikely any vacancies will be open in a World Cup year.
But there could be some flexibility. Part of the restrictions, the Herald understands, is that Robertson could take a role with a side once they have played the All Blacks for the final time this season. That may be one for Razor’s lawyers to sort out.
Looking at the All Blacks’ schedule, that doesn’t bring many possibilities until later in the year. The All Blacks open the year against France, Ireland and Italy – but it seems unlikely those teams will be in need of a new coach. However, looking further down the calendar, things become more intriguing.
Here’s a look at the teams that might come knocking for the former All Blacks coach.
Scotland
Head coach: A few weeks ago, it wouldn’t have been surprising if Scotland Rugby executives were holding a panic meeting which included “Razor” written on a whiteboard. They opened the Six Nations with an 18-15 defeat to Italy and it appeared coach Gregor Townsend had the Sword of Damocles hanging over him. However, his side responded with a 31-20 victory over England, only to follow that up by beating Wales 26-23. Next up on the agenda: France at home, then Ireland away. If the drums are still banging for Townsend later this month, Robertson would be a fine option for the Scots.
NZ public’s reaction (estimated): “Yay. Good for Scotland, good for Razor and good for the All Blacks – they’ll still never beat us.”
England
Head coach: Similar position to their rivals up north, with a very mixed Six Nations campaign so far. They opened with a thrashing of Wales but have had back-to-back defeats to Ireland and Scotland. Suddenly, Steve Borthwick has gone from riding a 12-game unbeaten run, including a victory over the All Blacks, to a big question mark. It’s not too crazy to envisage panic stations if England suffer a drubbing at the hands of France on March 15. Robertson has been linked to the England role before.
NZ public’s reaction (estimated): “First Baz, now Razor. Get your own coaches.”
South Africa
Assistant coach: The key detail out of the Barbarians announcement could be the fact they are playing South Africa, meaning the coaches will have an opportunity for a quiet chat over a post-match drink. Would you put it past Rassie Erasmus to find some position for Razor in the lead-up to the World Cup?
NZ public’s reaction (estimated): “I’ve got a bad feeling about this.”
Argentina
Assistant coach: Pumas head coach Felipe Contepomi and assistant coach Kiwi Kenny Lynn will also be part of the Barbarians coaching set-up. Remember Sir Graham Henry’s first job after leaving the All Blacks? The All Blacks don’t play the Pumas this year, as the Rugby Championship has been replaced by the Greatest Rivalry.
NZ public’s reaction (estimated): “It’s fine, as long as they don’t beat us again.”
A club side
Robertson has already been linked to English side Harlequins, who are looking for a director of rugby to take over in June this year. Depending on who moves into the All Blacks role, the Highlanders or the Kobe Steelers could also soon need new head coaches, while Japan’s Top League has become a regular move for former international coaches.
Robertson has time on his side, both as part of his reported restraint of trade and as coach in his early-50s with international experience. The best option might be to wait until after the next World Cup and see what roles emerge.
Cameron McMillan has been a sports journalist since 2003 and is NZME’s Deputy Head of Sport.