WELLINGTON, New Zealand — New Zealand Rugby has terminated head coach Scott Robertson’s contract two years into his four-year appointment, following a comprehensive internal assessment of the All Blacks’ disappointing 2025 season. The decision comes amid reports that senior players had threatened to exit the national team unless coaching changes were implemented.
Robertson’s controversial tenure, marked by the team’s most disappointing performance record in the professional era, concluded after New Zealand Rugby chairman David Kirk announced the mutual agreement for Robertson’s departure. The organization cited the midpoint of the World Cup cycle as an appropriate moment to evaluate the team’s trajectory ahead of the 2027 tournament.
Despite maintaining a 74% win rate with 20 victories from 27 matches, Robertson’s results fell significantly short of the standards set by predecessors Steve Hansen (87%) and Graham Henry (85%). His leadership reached a critical juncture when star player Ardie Savea reportedly expressed unwillingness to represent New Zealand under Robertson’s continued guidance.
The coaching arrangement had been problematic from its inception in March 2023, when Robertson was appointed while incumbent coach Ian Foster remained under contract to lead the team through that year’s World Cup. This unprecedented overlap created organizational tension, particularly when Foster unexpectedly guided the team to the World Cup final, where they narrowly lost to South Africa by a single point.
Robertson’s appointment itself drew criticism, as it emerged he had secured the position by threatening to pursue coaching opportunities overseas unless guaranteed the role. This pressure tactic, coupled with his lack of international coaching experience compared to previous All Blacks coaches, contributed to ongoing challenges throughout his tenure.
Under Robertson’s leadership, the All Blacks suffered several historic defeats, including their first-ever loss to Argentina on home soil, a record 43-10 defeat by South Africa in Wellington—the largest margin in the team’s 120-year history—and additional losses to France and England.
New Zealand Rugby has initiated the process to identify Robertson’s successor, with former Japan and Māori All Blacks coach Jamie Joseph considered the leading candidate. Robertson expressed profound disappointment with the outcome but acknowledged the decision prioritized the team’s best interests moving forward.