Former All Blacks and Crusaders coach Scott Robertson could switch codes to rugby league, with a prospective South Island NRL expansion team reportedly targeting him to become their inaugural coach.
Southern Orcas chairman Sir Graham Lowe confirmed to Australian media outlet Code Sports that an official offer had been made and said he was confident the franchise could secure Robertson.
"I know it will take a lot of people by surprise but, yes, we have made ‘Razor’ a really competitive and official offer," Sir Graham told Code Sports.
"We have faith in Razor."
The Southern Orcas remain at the bid stage, competing against rival proposals including a second Queensland franchise, as they seek the NRL's 20th licence.
The league is targeting a 20th team as early as 2029, partly to bulk up value in a new broadcast deal, following the addition of the Perth Bears in 2027 and the PNG Chiefs in 2028.
Sir Graham said signing Robertson would give the bid "a lot of Canterbury and South Island pride", but acknowledged his lack of rugby league coaching experience.
"We are well aware he hasn’t coached rugby league but obviously we would make sure we surround him with good assistants," he told Code Sports.
"He understands the language of sport which, believe it or not, is more powerful than the language of rugby league. The players will understand it but there will be a few old-school people that might turn their nose up at it."
A spokesperson for Robertson told Stuff: "Like any coach between roles, Scott has had a number of approaches since finishing his role with the All Blacks, but he won't be commenting on any of them."
The approach comes just seven months after Robertson's dismissal as All Blacks coach, two years into a four-year deal.
New Zealand Rugby confirmed his departure in January after a review of the 2025 season, in which the All Blacks suffered a first-ever away loss to Argentina, an unprecedented 43-10 defeat to South Africa in Wellington — the heaviest loss in the side's 120-year history — and a loss to England that ended hopes of a Grand Slam.
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