Scott Robertson: All Black coach sacked to lead Barbarians

Sacked New Zealand coach Scott Robertson will return to rugby by taking charge of the Barbarians this summer.

Robertson, whose two-year spell with the All Blacks ended in January, will captain the invitational squad against world champions South Africa in Port Elizabeth on June 20, before a match against Wales at Allianz Stadium in Twickenham on June 27.

“The Barbarians bring the rugby world together, so it’s special to be part of it and honor the jersey,” Robertson said.

Robertson, who won seven consecutive Super Rugby titles with the Crusaders between 2017 and 2023, will have little choice when he chooses to resume his career full-time.

New Zealand Rugby has included a non-compete clause in his severance package that prevents Robertson from taking charge of a top-tier Test competitor until early 2027.

However, it has been reported, external Robertson will be free to join a competitive international side earlier if he has fulfilled his fixtures in 2026 against the All Blacks.

Robertson revealed in 2022, external His ultimate coaching ambition is to win the Rugby World Cup with both New Zealand and another country.

At club level, Harlequins, who are searching for a big-name player following the departure of coach Danny Wilson to Wales at the start of this season, have been linked with the 51-year-old., external

Robertson, who has captained the Barbarians on four previous occasions, has joined Argentina coach Felipe Contepome in the squad for matches this summer.