All Blacks: New Zealand sacks coach Scott Robertson after two years in charge

“Coaching the All Blacks has been the honor of my life,” he said.

“I’m extremely proud of what this team has accomplished and the progress we’ve made. We’ve brought in a talented group of young players, added depth to the team, and laid a solid foundation for the years ahead.”

The All Blacks were also beaten for only the ninth time in their 120-year rivalry with England when Steve Borthwick’s side cruised to a 33-19 win in the Quilter Nation series in November.

New Zealand Rugby (NZR) said the process of finding a replacement for Robertson, who is contracted until the end of the 2027 World Cup in Australia, would begin immediately.

Chairman of the governing body, David Kirk, thanked Robertson for his contribution to the team, adding: “As always, he continues to put the All Blacks first and we respect that he has done the difficult but right thing in agreeing to leave.”

“His passion for the team as a player and coach is evident, and his commitment and involvement with New Zealand rugby at all levels over a long period is significant. We wish him well for the future.”

Kirk said the mid-cycle Rugby World Cup was a good time to take an “extended look” at the All Blacks’ progress under Robertson on and off the field ahead of a busy Test calendar in 2026.

New Zealand hosts France, Italy and Ireland in the Africa Cup of Nations in July, followed by a trip to South Africa for an eight-match round in August and September.

They then face Australia home and away in the Bledisloe Cup in October before traveling to Europe in November for more Nations Cup matches, this time against Scotland, Wales and England.