'It's an honour': Scott Robertson named next All Blacks coach

After months of rumours and speculation, New Zealand Rugby have confirmed that Scott Robertson will be the next head coach of the All Blacks.

New Zealand Rugby made the announcement on Tuesday afternoon, with Robertson set to lead the team through to the end of the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

Robertson, who has coached the Crusaders to six Super Rugby titles in as many years, will officially replace Ian Foster following this year’s World Cup in France.

NZR confirmed the appointment in a board meeting on Tuesday, with Robertson selected ahead of Japan coach Jamie Joseph for the coveted position.

While he still has a job to do with the Crusaders this season, the former All Black said he’s looking forward to “contributing to the legacy of the black jersey” as a coach.

“It’s an honour to be named as the next All Blacks head coach,” Robertson said in a statement.

“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.

“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 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.”

Robertson played 23 Test matches in the black jersey during his playing days, and has gone on achieve incredible success during his coaching career so far.

Everyone he’s gone, success has seemed to follow – potentially a good omen for the All Blacks.

Robertson won three Premiership titles with Canterbury in New Zealand’s provincial competition, won a Junior World Championship with the Baby Blacks, and has led the Crusaders to an unprecedented dynasty.

The 48-year-old also coached the Barbarians to a famous win over the All Blacks XV last year.

NZR have steered clear of tradition with this announcement, as they confirmed the next All Blacks’ head coach before the World Cup for the first time.

NZR board chair Dame Patsy Reddy thanked all of the applicants before congratulating Robertson.

“We were very happy with the calibre and quality of the people involved and would like to thank all of those who took part in the process,” Reddy said.

“The decision to appoint the next All Blacks head coach ahead of the Rugby World Cup was not taken lightly, but we believe it was the right decision for New Zealand Rugby and the All Blacks and will set the team up for future success.

“We congratulate Scott on his appointment and look forward to working together in 2024, and have also been clear that New Zealand Rugby’s full support this year will be focused on the current All Blacks coaching team as we look towards the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.”