All Blacks coach Scott Robertson is departing the role two years into the job.
New Zealand Rugby (NZR) issued a statement confirming Robertson is finishing in his position.
In the statement, chair David Kirk said: “The mid-point in the Rugby World Cup cycle is the right time to look at the All Blacks’ progress over the first two seasons. The team are set to play a significant 2026 schedule and the tournament in 2027 remains the key goal.
“We’ve taken an extensive look at the team’s progress on and off the field and have subsequently had discussions with Scott on the way forward. Both NZR and Scott agree it is in the best interests of the team that he depart his role as Head Coach.”
In his own separate statement, Robertson said:
“Coaching the All Blacks has been the honour of my life. I am incredibly proud of what this team has achieved and of the progress we have made. We have brought through a talented group of young players, strengthened the depth across the squad, and set solid foundations for the years ahead.
“Following the end of year review I have taken time to reflect on some of the feedback. My priority has always been the success of the All Blacks and, after discussions with New Zealand Rugby, I believe it is in the best interests of the team for me to step aside.
“I have therefore reached an agreement with New Zealand Rugby to end my contract early so a new coaching group has the time it needs to prepare and take the team into the next World Cup.
“As you can imagine, I am gutted by this outcome. I care deeply about this team.
“Given the sensitivity of this situation I will not be making any further comment.”
Kirk acknowledged Robertson’s contribution to the All Blacks.
“On behalf of New Zealand Rugby I would like to thank Scott for his contribution to the All Blacks. As always, he has continued to put the All Blacks first and we respect that he has done the hard but right thing in agreeing to depart.
“His passion for the team as both a player and coach is evident and his commitment to and involvement in rugby in New Zealand at every level over a long period is significant. We wish him well for the future.”
The statement said NZR was starting its search for a replacement.
Robertson’s exit comes a day after the Herald reported a possible player revolt and a scathing end-of-year review.
Last December, the Herald revealed widespread internal frustrations from players and support staff following the All Blacks’ failed Grand Slam tour.
That feedback has now come through loud and clear in the All Blacks internal review, leaving NZR hierarchy under serious pressure to deliver sweeping coaching changes.
The Herald understands the most critical feedback of the All Blacks coaching, culture and environment stems from senior players, with frustrations building throughout Scott Robertson’s two-year tenure.
Robertson and his leading assistant Scott Hansen are among those to receive critical feedback.
Issues have been evident on the field with the All Blacks displaying wild inconsistencies, third-quarter fades, struggling attack, high-ball vulnerabilities and defensive lapses.
The departure of two assistant coaches, Leon MacDonald and Jason Holland, in the past two years also sparked concerns.
Robertson’s contract was scheduled to run through until the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Highlanders and All Blacks XV coach Jamie Joseph would be favourite to replace Robertson as head coach.
In Chicago, in October, Kirk told the Herald the All Blacks coaching unit was still “finding their feet a bit”.
Those comments came before the All Blacks’ victory against Ireland in the US city, and the loss against England on the UK leg of the tour.
“They’ve played very well at times, and they haven’t played as well at times,” said Kirk. “They know that better than anyone else. It’s been a bit inconsistent, and I know that the coaching group is not happy with that. The players aren’t happy with that.
“We are looking for – and New Zealand is looking for – increasing consistency, improving consistency from the team.”
He said NZR management and the board appointed the coach and group, and “then we support them”.
“We obviously have a high-performance review system, which is happening on a regular basis. It happens after major events and at the end of each year.
“We take that very seriously but the board is not there to reach into management’s purview and start having opinions about coaches or coaching processes partway through years. Our job is to govern the game, not manage it.”
The All Blacks have a big year ahead with the inaugural Nations Championship kicking off in July with France, Italy and Ireland visiting New Zealand followed by an eight-match tour of South Africa including four tests against the world champions.
Since his appointment after the 2023 World Cup in France, Robertson has led the All Blacks in 27 tests, for 20 victories with seven defeats at a success rate of just over 74%.
Predecessor Ian Foster’s win rate was 69.6%.