Scott Robertson gets first job since leaving All Blacks, to coach Barbarians

Scott Robertson has landed his first job since departing as All Blacks head coach; being named as coach for the Barbarians.

Robertson will take charge of the invitational team for their June tour along with Pumas head coach Felipe Contepomi, Racing 92 head coach Patrice Collazo and fellow Kiwi Kenny Lynn, who is assistant coach with Argentina.

They face the Springboks on June 20 and Wales on June 27 in the lead-up to the new Nations Championship.

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

Robertson has already coached the Barbarians on four occasions, the first time in 2017.

In 2022, he coached the Barbarians to a 35-31 win over the All Blacks XV, a side which featured the likes current All Blacks Damian McKenzie, Leicester Fainga’anuku and Tamati Williams, as well as Cortez Ratima, Christian Lio-Willie and Brodie McAlister – who would make their All Blacks debuts under Robertson.

Robertson’s shock exit from the All Blacks was announced just over a month ago, with his replacement expected to be named in the coming weeks.

As reported by Gregor Paul in the Herald, as part of what was believed to be a circa $1 million termination settlement with New Zealand Rugby, Robertson has restrictions on where he can coach until the end of the year, and is understood to have agreed a 12-month restraint of trade from coaching top-tier nations.

The Barbarians, popularly known as the Baa-Baas, are a mix of players from different countries that play exhibition games, mostly against international teams.

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Somewhat ironically, Robertson’s first game will be against the Springboks, a side the new All Blacks coach will face four times this year as part of a South African tour.

“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.” Robertson said i on January 15.

“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.”

Earlier this month, the Herald reported that just days after his All Blacks contract was terminated, Robertson – through his representative – inquired about the Queensland Reds job – but was told it had already been filled by current Blues coach Vern Cotter. Robertson’s name was also put in front of the Harlequins club in London, who are looking for a director of rugby to take over in June this year.

A decision on whether Dave Rennie or Jamie Joseph will replace Robertson as All Blacks coach is expected to be early next month as members of the NZR appointment panel spend time assessing the respective contenders’ coaching environments.