All Blacks coach Scott Robertson has explained the background to assistant coach Jason Holland’s departure from the team.
Talking to media after today’s announcement, Robertson said there had been no pressure from within New Zealand Rugby to bring about changes to the coaching staff on account of the All Blacks’ misfiring attack.
“There’s nothing from above. No, not at all.
“There’s nothing around the performance side of it. It’s just a decision, and it’s been made and we’ll get on with it.”
The All Blacks will part ways with Holland at the end of the year.
New Zealand Rugby (NZR) has announced that Holland has decided to leave his role at the conclusion of his contract, just a day before flying to Chicago for their clash with Ireland at Soldier Field.
Robertson said he was yet to consider replacement options for a new assistant coach.
“No, we haven’t even gone down there.
“We’ve just been focusing on the northern tour, the Grand Slam, and what’s ahead of us. So, I haven’t gone down that track.”
He described Holland as “a really good coach and a good friend”.
NZR said Holland confirmed his decision to All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson after the second Bledisloe Cup test in Perth. The team were informed today ahead of preparations for the northern tour.
Holland will continue in his role leading the set-piece attack and as backs coach for the tour.
He told media he would probably look for another coaching role, but there was nothing currently on the horizon.
He said there was no conflict among the coaching staff, just “nothing more than robust discussions”.
Holland said he was “really grateful for what the last couple of years have given me and really excited about the next four or five weeks as well”.
He said he made his decision a few weeks ago and “no major things triggered it”.
In a statement earlier in the day Holland had said: “It’s been a huge privilege to coach the All Blacks and represent New Zealand alongside some great people, both players and management.
“Obviously, I’ve been taking the time to reflect on what I want to do with my contract coming up for renewal. Ultimately, this is about what gets me excited about being a coach. I was happy to take a two-year contract and the time feels right for me to step away from this role and look ahead.
“We’re a close group so this wasn’t an easy decision. I’ve obviously coached with them all in various ways for a long period of time and we think the team are making shifts in the right direction. There are four tests left, and I’m absolutely focused on helping this team to win in the northern hemisphere.”
He is the second of the original four assistant coaches in Scott Robertson’s stable to leave his post, after Leon MacDonald – who was originally tasked with leading the side’s attack – and Robertson mutually agreed to part ways in August last year.
Holland and MacDonald were joined by Jason Ryan and Scott Hansen in Robertson’s initial coaching group, with Tamati Ellison elevated into an assistant coach role after originally being with the team in another role.
“There’s a massive amount respect for Jase in our group,” Robertson said.
“While we’re disappointed, he has our support and we respect the decision he’s come to. Not only is Jase a great man, he’s a fantastic coach and has been dedicated to his role in this All Blacks team.
“Jase has made it clear to the team that he’s completely focused on our four remaining test matches, and I know he’s already got a few new strike plays up his sleeve. A grand slam opportunity doesn’t come around too often and that’s where our attention is for the challenge ahead.”
Holland was initially in the group to lead the backs, joining the All Blacks set up after four years at the helm of the Hurricanes. Before joining the Hurricanes, Holland had worked as an assistant coach for Munster – for whom he played from 1999 to 2008 – and later with the Canterbury NPC side.
Their Grand Slam tour sees them go from Chicago to Edinburgh to face a resurgent Scotland. The following week they play England at Twickenham before finishing the tour in Cardiff against struggling Wales.