New Zealand Dismiss Head Coach Scott Robertson After Two Years in Charge
All Blacks part ways with Scott Robertson following heavy defeats and an internal review.
- Scott Robertson sacked after two years as New Zealand head coach.
- Heavy losses to Argentina and South Africa increased pressure on his tenure.
- Robertson described the decision as painful but said it was in the team’s best interests.
New Zealand Rugby has sacked head coach Scott Robertson, bringing an end to his two-year spell in charge of the All Blacks.
The 51-year-old took over from Ian Foster following the 2023 Rugby World Cup and guided the team to 10 wins from 13 Tests during the 2025 season. However, his tenure came under intense scrutiny after an away defeat to Argentina and a record 43-10 loss to South Africa in the Rugby Championship in Wellington.
Reports of growing tension between senior players and the coaching staff also emerged, and the decision to dismiss Robertson followed an internal review by New Zealand Rugby.
In a statement, Robertson said he was “gutted” by the outcome but accepted the decision as being in the best interests of the team.
“Coaching the All Blacks has been the honour of my life,” he said. “I am incredibly proud of what this team has achieved and the progress we have made. We have introduced a talented group of young players, built squad depth and laid strong foundations for the future.”
Robertson, who previously led the Canterbury Crusaders to seven Super Rugby titles, also oversaw a rare defeat to England in November, when Steve Borthwick’s side won 33-19 in the Quilter Nations Series. The loss marked only the ninth time in the 120-year rivalry that England have beaten the All Blacks.
New Zealand Rugby is expected to announce an interim coach as it begins the search for Robertson’s successor.
