Scott Robertson Finds New Direction After Leaving the All Blacks
Scott Robertson has taken up his first coaching position after his departure from the All Blacks. More details about his departure from the team have been revealed.
Robertson was one of the four coaches presented by the Barbarians, who will face the Springboks in Port Elizabeth. This match will take place before a Nations Championship campaign that will see the world champions face England, Scotland and Wales.
“The Barbarians unite the world of rugby, which is why it’s special to be a part of it and honor the jersey,” commented Robertson, who will coach alongside the Pumas’ boss, Felipe Contepomi.
Scott Robertson
The June 20th match will take place six months after Robertson was fired by NZR, following a year-end review that reportedly contained unfavorable comments from the players.
NZR chairman David Kirk declared the team was not on the “right trajectory” towards next year’s Rugby World Cup, with former test coaches Dave Rennie (Australia) and Jamie Joseph (Japan) now in a two-horse race to replace Robertson.
It is understood that Robertson has a one-year non-compete clause in his contract that prohibits him from joining another test nation until 2027, before he will likely receive multiple coaching offers.
The 51-year-old coach has yet to speak publicly about his dismissal, after issuing a statement on the day of his sacking, but his close friend and former All Blacks and Crusaders teammate, Justin Marshall, has revealed some details about Robertson’s departure.
In the podcast “The Good, The Bad & The Rugby ANZ”, Marshall said that Robertson found out about his dismissal at the same time as everyone else.Scott Robertson ha sido despedido como entrenador de los All Blacks.“I met with Razor, after what happened, all on that really strange day,” Marshall said. “Seeing him, probably about 10 days after that, was difficult. As we know, he shows his emotions, Razor, and he cares about every team he coaches.”
“And in particular, his greatest passion was coaching the All Blacks. So having to find out that day, like everyone else, you know…”
“They told him at the same time the story was unfolding, that he would no longer be the coach of the All Blacks, it was something that took him by surprise. Because, obviously, they were telling him when they were telling the rest of the world.”
“He had no warning and then there was no possibility of having more conversations. The decision was made and it was out of his control.”
Marshall’s revelations conflict with Kirk’s comments in the statement NZR issued in January confirming Robertson’s departure, which said: “Both NZR and Scott agree that it is in the best interest of the team that he leave his position as Head Coach.”
Meanwhile, All Blacks centurion Mils Muliaina has backed Joseph, whose Highlanders have started the Super Rugby season with a 1-1 record.
“For me, it’s Jamie, because of his toughness, he’s here, he’s on the field,” Muliaina said on Sky Sport’s The Breakdown. “But they have to plan, that’s the rest.”
“When you look at it, what are the criteria; obviously they are looking for small things. Does a coach want six years; one wants four years… what kind of support staff? That’s what they’re trying to get right, and that’s what you really shouldn’t rush.”
“But for me, I would like to see Jamie get the job.”
Reports suggest that NZR will make a decision on Rennie or Joseph in the middle of next month.
