'Things were not on track' – why Robertson was sacked as All Blacks coach

New Zealand Rugby bosses say the decision to remove Scott Robertson from his role as All Black coach was necessary as the team was not going in the right direction.

Chairman David Kirk said this afternoon that, following a review of last year’s mixed performances, discussions were held with Robertson and, ultimately, it was decided he should be replaced.

Robertson was just two years into a four-year contract but Kirk said: "Things were not on track."

He added: "We were not seeing the trajectory we wanted."

Kirk declined to give any detail of the review but said 20 players were spoken to and there was a "consistent theme".

"It’s not player power, it’s mature and appropriate listening to players," Kirk said.

Watch the full video of NZ Rugby boss David Kirk here

"There is no revolt by the players at all, the players are very thoughtful and measured in their responses."

Referring to suggestions that Ardie Savea was behind a player-led move to get Robertson overthrown, Kirk said: "It's very unfair to say that Ardie [Savea] led something."

While he praised Robertson for some elements of his tenure, such as introducing new young players, he said some shortcomings were not being addressed.

He said NZ Rugby did not have to pay out Robertson for the remaining two years of his contract and Robertson will not be able to coach another international team this year.

Kirk added he was confident the All Blacks would perform well in the immediate and longer term.

"I don't doubt we have got the players to beat South Africa in South Africa and to win the World Cup in 2027."

Scott Robertson earlier said he "gutted" after New Zealand Rugby confirmed today that he would be leaving his role as All Blacks head coach.

1News reported earlier today that he was likely to go, coming on the back of a scathing end-of-season review.

'Best interests of the team': Scott Robertson axed as All Blacks coach - watch on TVNZ+

NZR chairman David Kirk said a process to recruit a new head coach would commence "immediately".

"We’ve taken an extensive look at the team’s progress on and off the field and have subsequently had discussions with Scott on the way forward. Both NZR and Scott agree it is in the best interests of the team that he depart his role as head coach."

In a statement, Robertson said coaching the All Blacks had been the "honour of my life".

"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."

Robertson said he took time to reflect on the feedback from the end‑of‑year review and ultimately decided it was best for him to depart.

"My priority has always been the success of the All Blacks and, after discussions with New Zealand Rugby, I believe it is in the best interests of the team for me to step aside."

He confirmed his contract with NZR will end early so a new coaching group can prepare for the 2027 World Cup.

"As you can imagine, I am gutted by this outcome. I care deeply about this team," he said.

Robertson led the side to 20 wins in 27 matches, having controversially replaced Ian Foster after the 2023 World Cup.

1News understands many players believed Robertson had "lost the dressing room".

Robertson had a long run of success with the Crusaders in Super Rugby, but that hasn’t been translated into the more pressurised and cut-throat world of Test rugby.

Crusaders chief executive Colin Mansbridge said the decision was "significant" and the franchise felt for everyone affected.

"Naturally, our organisation feels deeply for Razor. He is a great Crusader who has made an incredible contribution to this club – first as a player and then as a coach," he said.

"His influence has been immense, and we will always regard him as part of the Crusaders family. Once a Crusader, always a Crusader."

Mansbridge told 1News he was hit hard by the news.

"When you see somebody having to make that decision, it naturally does affect you a bit so yeah, we're gutted for the guy," he said.

"We'll never be able to speak highly enough of his contribution to this place."

Crusaders performance manager Angus Gardner said he was disappointed for Razor and his family".

"I know he's a really good coach and he would have put his heart and soul into the All Blacks and New Zealand Rugby."

He added that Robertson "would want what's the very, very best for his players and team".

"It seems to be that the All Blacks are going to part company with him and move forward in a different direction so I really feel for him right at the moment."

Gardner said Robertson's dismissal was "an awkward situation because it's so public" but the coach was also "pretty resilient".

"He'll bounce back from all of this and we do hope to see more of his coaching somewhere around the world at some point in time."