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New Zealand fire coach Scott Robertson

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All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson before the- New Zealand All Blacks v South Africa, 2025 Rugby Championship test match at Eden Park - Auckland - New Zealand on Saturday 06 September 2025 Photo credit: Brett Phibbs / www.photosport.nz

Scott Robertson has been axed as coach of New Zealand after a review of 2025 allegedly produced a damning assessment by players of his methods at the helm.

The 51-year-old was in charge of 27 matches over his two seasons in charge, winning 20 of those, but suffering several losses to the Springboks, including an All Blacks record 43-10 defeat in wellington in the Rugby Championship.

“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,” New Zealand Rugby chair David Kirk said.

“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. 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.”
Robertson expressed his disappointment in a statement, saying he was “gutted” at the outcome.

“Coaching the All Blacks has been the honour of my life,” he 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.”

Otago Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph, who has strong links to current Springbok attack coach Tony Brown, has been heavily linked to the role after missing out to Robertson two years ago.