Scott Robertson’s time as All Blacks head coach has come to an abrupt and dramatic conclusion, sending shockwaves through New Zealand rugby just two years into his four-year contract. The announcement, made official by New Zealand Rugby (NZR) on January 15, 2026, follows a damning internal review and growing unrest within the team’s ranks, culminating in what many are calling one of the most turbulent coaching exits in All Blacks history.
The internal review, spearheaded by NZR President Sir David Kirk and former All Blacks hooker Keven Mealamu, laid bare widespread dissatisfaction with Robertson’s leadership, coaching methods, and the overall culture he established behind closed doors. According to multiple reports, senior players, including influential figures like Ardie Savea, voiced serious concerns about the environment and direction of the team. The review’s findings were so critical that they not only influenced the board’s decision but also reportedly prompted Savea to consider withdrawing from next year’s Rugby World Cup—a move that would have sent further shockwaves through the rugby world.
Robertson’s departure comes at a pivotal moment, just 20 months out from the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. The All Blacks are staring down a packed 2026 schedule, including the inaugural Nations Championship and a landmark four-Test series against South Africa. With the tournament in France in 2023 still fresh in memory, the timing of this shake-up has raised pressing questions about the squad’s stability and readiness for the challenges ahead.
In a statement released by NZR, Sir David Kirk offered a measured perspective on the decision: “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. 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.”
Robertson, who was named as Ian Foster’s successor in 2023 following a glittering run with the Crusaders in Super Rugby, leaves with a record of 20 wins from 27 Test matches—a 74 percent success rate, slightly better than Foster’s 69.6%. Despite this, his tenure was marred by a string of historic and painful defeats: the All Blacks’ first ever losses to Argentina at home and away, their first series defeat to Ireland on New Zealand soil, a record 43-10 thrashing by the Springboks in Wellington, and a heavy 33-19 loss to England during last year’s European tour.
Robertson himself expressed deep disappointment in a statement following the announcement. “Coaching the All Blacks has been the honour of my life,” he said. “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.”
The review process, which included input from former NZR high performance manager Don Tricker, revealed not only on-field inconsistencies—think third-quarter fades, attacking struggles, and defensive lapses—but also a breakdown in communication and trust between the coaching staff and players. The departures of assistant coaches Leon MacDonald and Jason Holland within the past two years only added to the sense of instability. Mike Anthony, the All Blacks’ high-performance chief, also left for a new role in English football, further depleting the team’s leadership structure.
One of the most telling signs of unrest came from the players themselves. Sources reported that a senior Auckland Blues player declined a call-up for the All Blacks’ final Test of the year, while Savea—World Player of the Year in 2023 and a crucial back-row forward—was rumored to have considered refusing to play under Robertson. Savea’s future with New Zealand rugby remains uncertain, with potential moves to Japan or Europe reportedly on the table as he weighs his options in the wake of the coaching upheaval.
NZR’s search for a new head coach is already underway, with Jamie Joseph, Dave Rennie, and Joe Schmidt identified as leading candidates. Joseph, currently coaching the Highlanders and All Blacks XV, is widely seen as the frontrunner, but the process is expected to be swift, given the looming schedule. Whoever steps into the role will inherit a team at a crossroads, with much to prove both at home and on the world stage.
The context surrounding Robertson’s appointment—and subsequent exit—has only added to the drama. His selection during the 2023 World Cup, rather than after the tournament as per NZR’s usual policy, was itself controversial. Hopes were high that he’d usher in a new era, breaking from the promotion-from-within strategy of previous decades. But as frustrations mounted over the past two seasons, it became clear that the gamble had not paid off as intended.
Meanwhile, the All Blacks’ 2026 calendar looks as daunting as ever. The team will open the inaugural Nations Championship with a clash against France at Christchurch’s new One New Zealand Stadium on July 4, followed by visits from Italy and Ireland, and then embark on an eight-match tour of South Africa, including four Tests against the reigning world champions. All this unfolds as NZR operates under an interim CEO, following Mark Robinson’s departure late last year, adding yet another layer of complexity to the organization’s leadership vacuum.
As the dust settles on Robertson’s exit, one thing is clear: New Zealand rugby is entering a period of intense self-examination and transition. The pressure is on for NZR to restore unity, address the concerns of senior players, and chart a new course that will return the All Blacks to their customary heights. The clock is ticking, and fans around the world will be watching closely as the storied side prepares for its next chapter.
With a new head coach soon to be named and a pivotal season ahead, the All Blacks’ journey promises to be anything but dull. The rugby world waits with bated breath to see if New Zealand can rediscover its magic—or if more storms lie ahead.
