'Gutted' Robertson steps down as All Blacks coach after critical review

Jan 15 : New Zealand are looking for a new All Blacks head coach midway through the World Cup cycle following a shock decision to part ways with Scott Robertson in the wake of a critical review of the team's coaching and performance.

Despite a record of 20 wins in 27 tests, a "gutted" Robertson said he agreed to step down two years into his four-year contract in the "best interests" of the team.

Speculation over Robertson's future had mounted since December amid reports of friction between senior players and All Blacks staff.

However, New Zealand Rugby (NZR) chairman David Kirk denied player power was behind the decision.

“There was definitely no revolt,” Kirk told reporters at NZR's Auckland office.

“The players were very measured and thoughtful in their responses (to the review).

“We’ve spoken to the leadership group before the announcement. Their reaction was - they just absorbed it.

“I know this from personal experience: players are players, you get on with it."

Robertson, who replaced Ian Foster after the 2023 World Cup, guided the All Blacks to 10 wins out of 13 tests in the 2025 season but the former Canterbury Crusaders coach came under pressure following a first-ever away defeat to Argentina and a 43-10 loss to South Africa, their biggest-ever test defeat, in Wellington.

The All Blacks were also well-beaten by England at Twickenham in November, ending their hopes of completing a Grand Slam of wins against the Home Nations.

Kirk said the NZR board was unanimous in their decision to replace Robertson amid general disappointment with the team's progress.

"We weren’t seeing the trajectory,” Kirk said.

"We were falling a bit short of the excellence that we’re looking for, it never really got addressed over the year.”

Robertson