The New Zealand All Blacks have parted ways with head coach Scott Robertson as the most famous team in rugby union seek to rediscover their best form ahead of the World Cup in 2027.
Robertson’s departure was announced by New Zealand Rugby on Wednesday. Robertson, a former All Black himself, assumed the reins after the 2023 World Cup in France, where New Zealand were beaten by South Africa in the final. During his tenure as coach, Robertson was 20-7, giving a win rate of 74 percent.
New Zealand — whose five appearances in men’s World Cup finals is higher than any other nation — is a notoriously demanding environment for players and coaches. The country secured back-to-back World Cups in 2011 and 2015 but has struggled to recapture this level over the past decade.
In September, the All Blacks suffered their biggest ever loss in a test match, losing 43-10 against South Africa in Wellington, New Zealand.
David Kirk, the chairman of New Zealand Rugby and former All Blacks captain, told The Athletic in October: “After the South Africa defeat, the team was unhappy and the country was unhappy. We just allowed the game to step away from us, which we don’t do. That is a mental weakness as a team, which is not acceptable.”
Kirk warned then that the team was “not close” to being world champions, but at that stage remained supportive of Robertson. Kirk said: “I don’t want to dig in and start putting pressure on the coaching group. We have confidence in them; they know what they’re doing.”
Yet alarm bells rang once more when the All Blacks lost 33-19 against England in November.
The New Zealand Herald reported that an end-of-year review brought fierce criticism from senior players towards the coaching staff, with the publication claiming that issues with “communication, trust, strategy and selection” were all raised. The report also claimed that vice-captain Ardie Savea was considering continuing to play club rugby in Japan or transferring to Europe, which would mean he would be unable to represent the All Blacks.
In a statement on Wednesday, New Zealand Rugby chairman Kirk said: “The midpoint 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 departs his role as Head Coach.”
Scott Robertson has departed as Head Coach of the All Blacks. We wish Razor all the best with his next steps.
A process will commence immediately to recruit a new Head Coach. pic.twitter.com/WWDtsox5ed
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) January 15, 2026
In a 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.”
Just 20 months out from the World Cup, New Zealand Rugby will begin an immediate search for Robertson’s successor.