New Zealand has dismissed Rugby head coach Scott Robertson after a loss to Argentina and a record 43-10 defeat against South Africa in the Rugby Championship held in Wellington.
Robertson, 51, who took over from Ian Foster after the 2023 World Cup, led the All Blacks to 10 victories out of 13 Tests in the 2025 season.
There have also been reports of discord between senior players and the All Blacks staff, and his firing comes after an internal review.
In a statement, Robertson expressed that he was “gutted” by the decision but believed stepping down was “in the best interests” of the team.
“Coaching the All Blacks has been the honor of my life,” he remarked.
“I am extremely proud of what this team has accomplished and the progress we have made. We have developed a talented group of young players, enhanced the squad’s depth, and laid strong foundations for the future.”
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The All Blacks also suffered only their ninth defeat in a 120-year rivalry with England when Steve Borthwick’s team won 33-19 in the Quilter Nations Series in November.
New Zealand Rugby (NZR) announced that the search for Robertson’s replacement, who was under contract until the end of the 2027 World Cup in Australia, will begin immediately.
David Kirk, chair of the governing body, expressed gratitude to Robertson for his contributions, stating, “As always, he has prioritized the All Blacks, and we respect his decision to step down, which was difficult but necessary.”
Kirk noted Robertson’s evident passion for the team as both a player and coach, as well as his significant commitment to rugby in New Zealand over the years. He wished him well for the future.
Kirk mentioned that the mid-point of the Rugby World Cup cycle is an appropriate time to conduct a thorough evaluation of the All Blacks’ performance under Robertson, both on and off the field, ahead of a busy Test schedule in 2026.
New Zealand will host France, Italy, and Ireland in the Nations Championship in July, followed by an eight-match tour to South Africa in August and September.
