New Zealand Rugby has named Scott Robertson as Ian Foster’s successor, with the 48-year-old to take charge of the All Blacks after the Rugby World Cup later this year.
Robertson will assume one of the sport’s most coveted positions after the World Cup in France, having impressed selectors despite questions about his lack of international experience.
“It’s a job that comes with huge responsibility, but I’m excited by the opportunity to make a contribution to the legacy of the black jersey,” the 48-year-old said.
Robertson applied for the position in 2019 without success and claimed he had left no stone unturned this time.
“I have been preparing for the interview for the last three weeks, making sure I had everything covered,” he said.
“I think my wife Jane knows the slides off by heart.”
Robertson played 23 Tests for the All Blacks between 1998 and 2002, but he believes coaching them is “in some ways” more important.
“Ask me that before the first Test match,” he said.
The disorganized recruitment process has angered incumbent coach Ian Foster, who has urged New Zealand rugby to wait until after the World Cup because it would be too distracting.
Robertson was selected over the current Japan coach, Jamie Joseph, and has been contracted through the conclusion of the World Cup in Australia in 2027.
Robertson’s unparalleled success at the domestic level and his reputation for coaching innovation were lauded by New Zealand Rugby.
“There are a number of quality coaches that New Zealand has produced in recent times, but for the things we are looking for in a candidate, ‘Razor’ is a compelling choice,” chief executive Mark Robinson said.
“We’re delighted he’s bringing, we believe, a fresh set of eyes, huge energy and a deep understanding of our system.”
He will replace Foster, whose troubled tenure coincided with the team’s fall to third place in the world rankings after a series loss to Ireland and a first-ever home loss to Argentina.
It was a rare period of turmoil for the three-time World Cup champions, who were eliminated in the semifinals of the 2019 tournament in Japan.
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