All Blacks sack Robertson midway through World Cup cycle

January 15, 2026 Oliver Obel

New Zealand Rugby has opted for a rare mid-cycle reset, ending Scott Robertson’s spell as All Blacks head coach after an internal review concluded change was needed with the 2027 World Cup approaching.

The move, unusual in a system that has traditionally backed coaches through full tournament cycles, has sent shockwaves through the international game.

Rather than one result triggering the decision, NZR’s action followed a broader assessment of performance and culture within the squad.

Robertson, 51, had come under increasing pressure amid reports of strained relationships between senior players and the coaching group. That tension prompted a formal review, which ultimately led to his dismissal despite a contract that ran through to the World Cup in Australia.

Results told only part of the story

Robertson took over after the 2023 World Cup, succeeding Ian Foster at a time of transition. Several senior players retired or moved overseas, leaving a less experienced core to rebuild around.

On paper, the record was solid. The All Blacks won 10 of their 13 Tests during the 2025 season, according to BBC Sport. Yet results alone were not the issue. Defeats carried unusual weight, both for their nature and their historical significance.

A loss away to Argentina was followed by a 43–10 Rugby Championship defeat to South Africa in Wellington, the heaviest home loss New Zealand have suffered. England’s 33–19 win at Twickenham in November only their ninth victory over the All Blacks in 120 years deepened concerns that performance levels were slipping.

Robertson accepts decision

In a statement released by New Zealand Rugby, Robertson said he was “gutted” by the outcome but accepted that stepping aside was “in the best interests” of the team.

“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.”

NZR eyes demanding year ahead

NZR chair David Kirk thanked Robertson for his contribution, saying he had continued to put the All Blacks first and had agreed to “the hard but right thing” by departing.

Kirk said the midpoint of the World Cup cycle was the right moment for an “extensive look” at progress before an exceptionally demanding 2026 schedule.

That calendar includes home Tests against France, Italy and Ireland, an extended tour of South Africa, Bledisloe Cup matches against Australia, and an end-of-year tour of Europe featuring fixtures against Scotland, Wales and England.

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Shockwaves and succession planning

Analysis from BBC Rugby Union correspondent Chris Jones said the decision would “send shockwaves” through the sport. Jones noted that Robertson, despite his domestic success with the Crusaders, struggled to fully impose his vision at Test level and was undermined by instability within his coaching setup.

He added that Highlanders head coach Jamie Joseph, already embedded in the New Zealand system and with international coaching experience, is widely regarded as the leading candidate to take over.

Sources: BBC Sport