New Zealand Rugby confirm Scott Robertson’s All Blacks coaching group

New Zealand Rugby have confirmed the four assistants who will join Scott Robertson in the All Blacks’ coaching group after this year’s World Cup in France.

NZR made the bold decision in March to appoint Robertson as Ian Foster’s successor ahead of the sports most prestigious event later this year.

While that decision ended months of speculation and rumours, the rest of the All Blacks’ group setup remained a mystery.

Well, until now.

Blues boss Leon MacDonald, Hurricanes coach Jason Holland and Crusaders assistant Scott Hansen will take up roles in the national team from 2024.

MacDonald will lead the attack with assistance from Holland, while Hansen will look over the defensive side of the game.

Current All Blacks assistant coach Jason Ryan has also retained his position as the teams’ forwards coach, and Nic Gill will also stay on as the teams Head of Performance.

Chief Executive Mark Robinson said NZR were “pleased” to have secured the services of the four “successful and skilled mentors.”

“We are pleased to have secured four talented and experienced coaches to guide the All Blacks into 2024 and beyond,” Robinson said in a statement.

“All four heave proven themselves as successful and skilled mentors in their respective Super Rugby environments and in some cases overseas.

“As we announce this group, I would also like to acknowledge the current All Blacks coaching group who will guide the team through 2023, and who have the full backing and support of NZ Rugby as they build towards the Rugby World Cup in France.

“We believe it was important to announce this group now to allow the four appointed assistant coaches to focus on their Super Rugby Pacific commitments this season, and to allow their organisations to progress their planning for 2024.”

Super Rugby Pacific coaches MacDonald and Holland have been linked with positions for quite some time now.

Holland revealed earlier this month that he’d “had a chat” with Scott Robertson, although nothing had been officially confirmed by NZR until Wednesday.

“I’ve known Jason, Leon, Scott, Alfie (Holland) and Gilly for a long time and worked with them all at times during my playing and coaching career,” Robertson said.

“They are a highly talented and motivated group who will bring different strengths to the table and who share a similar philosophy on the game.

“Like myself with the Crusaders, I know they all have important work to do in 2023 and their main focus will be on their current job in hand, but we will be ready to go from 2024.”