New Zealand Rugby announced on Thursday that Scott Robertson will leave his role as All Blacks head coach after just two seasons. An internal review of the 2025 campaign cited a string of defeats, including a 43‑10 loss to South Africa – the heaviest margin in the team’s 120‑year history.

Robertson’s appointment in March 2023 overlapped with outgoing coach Ian Foster, creating an unprecedented dual‑coach scenario. Senior players, led by Ardie Savea, reportedly threatened to quit unless the change was made. Though he guided the Crusaders to seven straight Super Rugby titles, Robertson entered the All Blacks job without prior international experience.

Board chair David Kirk said the mid‑point of the World Cup cycle is the right moment to reset and give a new coaching group time to prepare for the 2026 test schedule and the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Observers will watch how New Zealand Rugby selects a successor and whether the squad can regain its historic dominance.