Next All Blacks coach: Clayton McMillan rules himself out of contention, remains committed to Munster

Former Chiefs coach Clayton McMillan has ruled himself out of joining the All Blacks coaching ranks, insisting he’s committed to his current club, Munster.

The rugby world was left stunned on Thursday when Scott Robertson was relieved of his duties as All Blacks coach, two years into a four-year contract.

The move came following a scathing review that found multiple frailties within the team and reports of player unrest.

McMillan had been viewed as a potential future All Blacks coach after leading the Chiefs to consecutive Super Rugby Pacific finals, but feeling the need for a new challenge, he departed New Zealand with a year remaining on his contract to link up with Irish club Munster, where he’s locked down until 2028.

McMillan had also been part of the wider New Zealand international set-up, having served as coach of the Māori All Blacks and the All Blacks XV.

The 51-year-old has admitted in the past that becoming a test coach at some point is his goal but, speaking to Irish media, he was tight-lipped when asked if he’d throw his hat into the All Blacks coaching mix following Robertson’s exit.

“To be perfectly honest, with all respect, I haven’t even given any thought to the question that you’ve just asked,” McMillan said.

He did admit that it was “a bit of a surprise” to wake up to read the news about Robertson.

“It’s not normally the New Zealand way to make such a big decision, but it’s one that’s been made, and my initial thoughts are actually just with Scott and his family.

“Nobody likes to see players or coaches have to go through that. So my thoughts are with him.”

New Zealand Rugby chair David Kirk said the search for a new coach is already underway. Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph has emerged as the front-runner for the role.

As things stand, Robertson’s assistants, including Scott Hansen, Jason Ryan and Tamati Ellison, remain employed. However, there is a chance the incoming coach will want their own coaching staff, meaning all their futures are up in the air.

Further details of the review have not been made public as of yet.

Robertson leaves the role with 20 wins from 27 tests, a 74% success rate, having taken over from Ian Foster after the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

McMillan is having a mixed season as coach of Munster in his first season in charge.

They currently sit sixth in the United Rugby Championship, a tournament made up of teams from Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Italy and South Africa, while Munster have been knocked out of the Champions Cup, a European club competition.

Ben Francis is an Auckland-based reporter for the New Zealand Herald who covers breaking sports news.