Scott Robertson has been sacked as New Zealand head coach – less than two years out from the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
The 51-year-old took the job after the 2023 Rugby World Cup, replacing Ian Foster.
Robertson led the All Blacks to 10 wins out of 13 Tests last year, but came under pressure following an away defeat by Argentina and a record 43-10 loss to South Africa in the Rugby Championship in Wellington.
His other loss was a 33-19 defeat by England in November at the Allianz Stadium. That was just the ninth time in New Zealand’s 120-year rivalry with England that they were beaten by their opponent.
Aside from those three results, there have also been reports of tension between senior players and All Blacks staff, and the dismissal follows an internal review.
It is unclear who will replace Robertson, but Highlanders head coach Jamie Joseph is among the leading candidates.
Scott Robertson ‘gutted’ over New Zealand sacking
Robertson’s overall record was 20 wins from 27 matches with a 74 per cent success rate.
And upon leaving the All Blacks, he expressed his disappointment at being given his marching orders.
‘Coaching the All Blacks has been the honour of my life,’ he said in a statement.
‘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.’
All Blacks on the hunt for Scott Robertson’s replacement
New Zealand Rugby (NZR) said the process of finding a replacement for Robertson, who was contracted to the end of the 2027 World Cup in Australia, will start immediately.
‘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,’ said chair David Kirk.
‘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.’
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.’
New Zealand’s fixtures in 2026
New Zealand host France, Italy and Ireland in the Nations Championship in July followed by a trip to South Africa for an eight-match tour in August and September.
They then face Australia home and away in the Bledisloe Cup in October before travelling to Europe in November for more Nations Championship matches, this time against Scotland, Wales and England.
