Scott Robertson Steps Down as All Blacks Coach

New Zealand Rugby announced on Thursday that Scott Robertson has stepped down as head coach of the All Blacks following an end-of-season review of the team's 2025 performance. The decision, reached mutually after discussions between Robertson and New Zealand Rugby officials, comes midway through the four-year cycle leading to the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, with a search for a replacement set to begin immediately.

David Kirk, chair of New Zealand Rugby, described the timing as appropriate for evaluating the team's progress over its first two seasons under Robertson. "The midpoint in the Rugby World Cup cycle is the right time to look at the All Blacks progress over the first two seasons," Kirk said. "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."

Robertson, who assumed the role after the 2023 Rugby World Cup, expressed disappointment but emphasized his commitment to the team's future. "Coaching the All Blacks has been the honour of my life," he said. "I am incredibly proud...