New Zealand Rugby on Tuesday introduced Scott “Razor” Robertson because the All Blacks coach from 2024, tapping him to steer a as soon as all-conquering aspect now affected by on and off-field woes.
Crusaders boss Robertson will take up one of many sport’s most coveted jobs after the World Cup in France — impressing selectors regardless of questions over his lack of pedigree on the worldwide stage.
“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 stated.
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Robertson unsuccessfully utilized for the job in 2019, and stated 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 stated.
“I think my wife Jane knows the slides off by heart.”
Robertson performed 23 Tests for the All Blacks between 1998 and 2002, however stated teaching them was “in some ways” extra important.
“Ask me that before the first Test match,” he stated.
The messy recruitment course of has angered incumbent coach Ian Foster, who urged New Zealand rugby to carry off till the World Cup was completed as a result of it might be too distracting.
The choice to unveil Robertson because the All Blacks’ new coach now was seen by some in Australia as a certain hearth technique to undermine Foster’s authority in a World Cup 12 months.
Robertson was chosen forward of present Japan coach Jamie Joseph, and has been contracted by means of to the top of the 2027 World Cup in Australia.
New Zealand Rugby praised Robertson’s unparalleled success on the home stage and his fame for teaching innovation.
“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 govt Mark Robinson stated.
“We’re delighted he’s bringing, we believe, a fresh set of eyes, huge energy and a deep understanding of our system.” He will change Foster, whose troubled tenure has coincided with the crew tumbling to 3rd on the earth rankings following a sequence defeat to Ireland, and a first-ever loss to Argentina at dwelling.
It has been a uncommon interval of upheaval for the three-time World Cup winners who crashed out of the 2019 match in Japan within the semi-finals.
Robertson has led New Zealand’s home Canterbury Crusaders aspect to 6 Super Rugby titles since 2017, however has by no means coached a senior nationwide crew.
Many of New Zealand’s most profitable former coaches, corresponding to Graham Henry and Steve Hansen, labored abroad earlier than coming into the All Blacks arrange.
The Crusaders profit from probably the most fertile rugby nurseries on the planet, and a few pundits have questioned whether or not Robertson’s affect has been overstated.
Former All Blacks captain Kieran Read got here to his defence earlier this 12 months, saying Robertson was “certainly” the perfect coach within the nation.
Robertson is seen as one thing of a maverick inside New Zealand rugby circles and is famend for his breakdancing celebrations.
New Zealand Rugby took the weird step of beginning the recruitment course of effectively earlier than Foster’s contract expired, broadly seen as an try to cease worldwide sides from poaching main contenders.
Foster has been below monumental stress after a string of lacklustre outcomes, and there was hypothesis final 12 months that he can be sacked in favour of Robertson.
Foster rode out that storm with the backing of senior gamers, and can stay in cost till the top of this 12 months’s World Cup.
In a break up with the governing physique, Foster stated the hunt for a brand new head coach created “uncertainty” throughout the present All Blacks arrange and drew consideration away from essential match preparations.
“I felt the best thing for our team and for our entire management group was to have this process done after the Rugby World Cup,” he stated.
New Zealand kick off the World Cup in a blockbuster fixture in opposition to hosts France in September.
Source: www.news.com.au
