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Scott Robertson was confirmed as the All Blacks’ coach by New Zealand Rugby on Tuesday, and faces a huge challenge to repair the damage caused in a messy process that continues to do NZR no credit.
Robertson fronted a media conference a few hours after signing a deal that starts in 2024, having been chosen ahead of the other candidate Jamie Joseph.
He will replace disgruntled Ian Foster after the World Cup. In an awkward moment that sums up the hash NZ have made of the situation, NZR CEO Mark Robinson couldn’t confirm if Foster was aware of the news.
“He’s in a different timezone at the moment,” Robinson dithered when pressed on Foster. “We’ve certainly been in contact recently … to reach out to have that chat if we can.”
Robinson was asked, ‘does he know?’ “I don’t know what time it is in Paris, but he’s been communicated with that there’s an announcement coming today.”
For Robertson it’s a job he’s coveted and, based on his success at Super Rugby level with the Crusaders, deserves.
“I’m stoked. It’s an honour to be named as the next All Blacks head coach,” Robertson said. “It’s a job that comes with a huge amount of responsibility, but I’m excited by the opportunity to make a contribution to the legacy of the black jersey.
“To represent your country, as a coach or player, is the ultimate honour in sport and it’s humbling to be given that opportunity. I can’t wait.”
“Having significant time to plan for 2024 and beyond is crucial to setting the All Blacks up for success during the next World Cup cycle.
“I have a job to do with the Crusaders and that will be my main focus through to the completion of Super Rugby, but I will now have the opportunity to work with NZR to get some key appointments in my coaching and management team finalised, so we can hit the ground running next year.“
Robertson said he wasn’t ready to announce his coaching group. “We’ll start those conversations but I’ve got my preferred group,” he said.
He had actively campaigned for the role, which caused Foster some obvious discomfort. Robertson said there was “no maliciousness” in his approach.
“Look we’re very professional in that regard. The coaching profession is really brutal … my first thing is to pick up the phone and be a man first before anything else,” Robertson said.
“We’re different people, different coaches. So bring in different aspects. He’s extremely successful in his time as a coach and I have been and doing it in our own ways. How I leave my mark on the group is what I presented on today.
Robertson said it had been an intense lead up to the announcement.
At times, it felt like an election. There were no voting boxes or anything but we’re passionate, aren’t we? People have got an opinion.
“I understand not 100% of the crowd are going to be on your side but it’s great that people can have their thoughts and their feelings and they pick the team. They want the best for the country just like I do. You ride that – it’s part of who we are, our DNA and look, I love it.
NZR chair Patsy Reddy spoke of what she expected Robertson to bring to the team.
“Scott talks about it in terms of passion but having observed him today and discussed it with the board, we saw it as inspiration,” she said.
“We look forward to the inspirational journey that he will take the All Blacks and New Zealand on over the next four years.”
The saga has been bubbling along for months, leaving a disgruntled current coach who wanted to be judged on his performances at the World Cup.
Incumbent Foster has admitted the timing of the decision has created an “interesting vibe” as plans proceed for the RWC.
Speaking on Sky Sport’s Breakdown, Foster said an All Blacks management meeting was held to clear the air over the “uncertainty” of the situation.
“We had a two-day management meeting about two-three weeks ago,” Foster said. “We were able to clear the air a little bit and talk about what’s happening and the uncertainty. Because it has created an interesting vibe in the group.”
Foster added he didn’t want to comment on a process he didn’t agree with.
“We’re a little bit unsure yet what the processes are for communicating with that group. We’re tight. We’re really connected. The one thing we need to share with people is that we’re 100 per cent focused on this World Cup and that’s all we want to do.
“But there will be some things happening; you’ve already started to see Joe Schmidt announce he wouldn’t be applying and Gilbert Enoka has come out and made a clear decision [to leave after the World Cup]. Some people really wanted certainty early and didn’t want to be involved in this process and there might be a few more.”
Robertson said he had spoken to Foster about his ambition for the role.