Scott Robertson Removed as All Blacks Head Coach Following Player Revolt and Poor Review

15 January 2026 Sports

Breaking News in New Zealand Rugby

New Zealand Rugby confirmed today that the 51-year-old would be leaving as All Blacks head coach following an end of year review. The shocking decision comes just two years into Robertson’s four-year contract and less than 20 months before the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Scott Robertson has been dumped as All Blacks coach, a move he says has left him feeling “gutted”.

Performance and Player Concerns

With Robertson overseeing the side, the All Blacks have had a 74 percent win rate, with 20 wins from 27 tests. However, this performance fell below New Zealand’s high expectations. The Herald have also claimed the “most critical feedback” came from senior players with “frustrations building throughout Scott Robertson’s tenure”. More concerning, many players believed Robertson had “lost the dressing room”.

The Review and Decision

“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,” he said in a statement. “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.”

What’s Next for the All Blacks

A process will commence immediately to recruit a new Head Coach. Current Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph is the clear front-runner to take over the All Blacks role. The timing is critical, as the All Blacks will open their season when they host France in Christchurch’s brand-new One New Zealand Stadium on July 4 as part of the Nations Championship. They will also travel to South Africa for a landmark four-Test series against the Springboks. This coaching change marks a pivotal moment for New Zealand rugby as they prepare for crucial international fixtures and the 2027 World Cup campaign.