Scott Robertson’s shock departure has sent a jolt through New Zealand rugby, with some of the game's biggest names stunned by the All Blacks coach being cut loose two years before the end of his contract.
Robertson's departure followed a tough end‑of‑year review that raised major concerns about how the team was performing.
New Zealand Rugby (NZR) chairman David Kirk said a process to recruit a new head coach would commence "immediately".
"The mid-point in the Rugby World Cup cycle is the right time to look at the All Blacks’ progress over the first two seasons," he said in a statement.
"The team are set to play a significant 2026 schedule and the tournament in 2027 remains the key goal.
"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."
Former All Blacks halfback Justin Marshall said the news of Robertson's dismissal "floored" him.
"I knew the All Blacks always do a season review, and it hasn't been a smooth ride for Scott Robertson over two years. You expect fallout — but fallout that gives the head coach a chance to respond, to take on the comments, the criticism, the positives, and work to fix things," he said.
"To make an unprecedented call to terminate his contract under what they're calling a mutual understanding? I just wasn't expecting that."
Former All Blacks fullback Mils Muliaina said it was such a "massive surprise" that he thought early reports were "clickbait".
"This is a ballsy decision. You have a review, something's not quite right, and time's short… you either stick with what you've got and brush issues aside, or you try to fix them. They've gone, 'nah, we haven't got time — we've got to move on'."
Former All Blacks winger Jeff Wilson said he didn't believe NZR had any other option.
"I think Razor, in some ways, was backed into a corner the moment he took the job, because they painted this as a revolution — a rebrand of the All Blacks on and off the field," he said.
"I don't think Scott Robertson is a bad rugby coach. Sometimes things just don't work out, and this is one of those times."
Former All Black and mental health advocate Sir John Kirwan urged fans to remember the human impact.
“I’ve been in a situation like this before, and it is gut‑wrenching for those people involved,” he said in a post to Instagram. "My thoughts go out to Razor and the effort he’s put into the All Blacks."
Sir John also praised Kirk’s leadership, saying he had "obviously done a thorough process".
"It’s a sad day, but if it was the right decision, then no one is bigger than the All Black jersey. The All Black jersey must always come first, and I’m sure that’s why they’re doing it."
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