Scott Robertson ‘gutted’ to part ways with All Blacks as New Zealand head coach sees contract ended early
Published 15/01/2026 at 12:48 GMT
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The All Blacks have parted company with head coach Scott Robertson midway through his contract after a string of disappointing results. Robertson has admitted he is “gutted” to no longer be in charge of the New Zealand rugby union side having taken over the role from Ian Foster following the 2023 World Cup. Robertson has been linked with the vacant role at Harlequins.
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Scott Robertson is no longer head coach of the All Blacks after opting to "step aside" following an internal review into recent results.
Robertson released a statement saying that he was "gutted" to be leaving the job midway through his contract, which was expected to see him take charge until the 2027 World Cup in Australia.
Instead he leaves midway through the latest World Cup cycle as the All Blacks plot how to recapture the Webb Ellis trophy from South Africa.
"Coaching the All Blacks has been the honour of my life," Robertson said.
"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."
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Since finishing as runners-up to South Africa in the 2023 World Cup, New Zealand have stumbled - with a record 43-10 loss in the Rugby Championship to the Springboks adding to an away defeat to Argentina.
The All Blacks were also beaten by England in last year’s Quilter Autumn Series, with Robertson overseeing 20 wins and seven defeats in his tenure as head coach.
"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," explained David Kirk, New Zealand Rugby's chair.
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"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."
Robertson has already been linked with a move to Harlequins, who have been without a permanent head coach since Danny Wilson’s departure before the start of the season.
New Zealand are set to play France, Italy and Ireland on home soil in July in the Nations Championship.
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