BREAKING: All Blacks appoint new coach

Scott Robertson will become the All Blacks head coach from 2024. This was announced on Tuesday in a formal statement.

Last year, the New Zealand Rugby board confirmed that they would continue to back All Blacks coach Ian Foster in the top job despite some inconsistent results.

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However, in March it was announced that the organisation would formally begin to search for Foster’s replacement to take over after the World Cup. It means a new coach was always set to be unveiled by the time New Zealand head into the global showpiece with a management team that will know they’re on the way out.

Upon hearing the confirmation that a new coach would be named within four to six weeks, Foster reiterated his disagreement with the timing, and yet he will now make way for Robertson.

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The All Blacks released the following statement:

The 48-year-old father of three was appointed following a robust interview process and will announce further key appointments to his coaching and management team in coming months before officially taking up his new role following the conclusion of the 2023 Rugby World Cup. 

Robertson has been appointed for four years from 2024 through to the end of the 2027 Rugby World Cup and will succeed current All Blacks Head Coach Ian Foster, who will lead the All Blacks through the conclusion of the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France. Robertson’s appointment was confirmed at an NZR Board Meeting on Tuesday morning. 

“It’s an honour to be named as the next All Blacks Head Coach,” Robertson said. “It’s a job that comes with a huge amount of responsibility, but I’m excited by the opportunity to make a contribution to the legacy of the black jersey. To represent your country, as a coach or player, is the ultimate honour in sport and it’s humbling to be given that opportunity. I can’t wait.”  

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Robertson has enjoyed great success with the Crusaders

Robertson, who played 23 Tests for the All Blacks as a loose forward between 1998 and 2002, has compiled an impressive coaching resume. 

Following, retirement from the professional game in 2007 Robertson commenced his coaching career with the Sumner Rugby Club in Christchurch, before moving into an assistant role with Canterbury in 2008 and then taking over as head coach in 2013, where he went on to win three Premiership titles between 2013 and 2011.

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He has guided the Crusaders to six consecutive Super Rugby titles as head coach since 2017. Prior, to that he coached New Zealand U20s to a Junior World Championship crown, and most recently he coached the famous Barbarians FC to a win over the All Blacks XV last year.  

“Having significant time to plan for 2024 and beyond is crucial to setting the All Blacks up for success during the next World Cup cycle. I have a job to do with the Crusaders and that will be my main focus through to the completion of DHL Super Rugby, but I will now have the opportunity to work with NZR to get some key appointments in my coaching and management team finalised, so we can hit the ground running next year.”

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