NZ Rugby to name next All Blacks coach before World Cup?

New Zealand Rugby have begun the process to appoint the next All Blacks coach with a decision likely to be announced before next year’s World Cup.

Scott Robertson and Ian Foster.
Photo: Photosport

Eddie Jones has just been sacked as England coach, with a permanent replacement yet to be named, just nine months out from the global tournament in France.

The Crusaders coach Scott Robertson has been linked with the England job, though media reports in the UK have him as an outside chance for the role.

Wales this week fired Wayne Pivac and replaced him with another New Zealander in former coach Warren Gatland.

After announcing his return to Wales, Gatland urged New Zealand Rugby to do everything they could to secure the services of “Razor” Robertson, saying he was the “obvious choice” as the next All Blacks coach.

Ian Foster is contracted as the All Blacks coach until after the next World Cup.

NZR chief executive Mark Robinson said that with the changing landscape among the international coaching environment, they would likely have to break with tradition and could no longer leave it until after a World Cup cycle to select the All Blacks next boss.

“Yes that is fair to say. We acknowledge the environment and that it’s changing quickly. It’s part of the deliberation we’re going through. Recognising that the past and the rationale for using previous ways of appointments, previous processes around appointments versus what’s happening in the international environment [now].

“The discussions we’re having with all our talent across the board would signify we acknowledge that as well. We’re keeping a close eye on what’s happening internationally.

“We feel a lot of sympathy for what’s happened in England and Wales…but at the same time for us that means we have to be aware of that means for our talent too and we’re keeping a close eye on it.”

“We are having a lot of discussions at the moment and we know there’s an awful lot going on at this moment, but we’re confident we’re having all the conversations we need to be having at this time.”

Typically after a World Cup there is a review of the tournament and the All Blacks coaching group, with the incumbents asked to reapply and their case to stay on is weighed up against bringing in a new team of ‘fresh faces’.

NZR have been conservative in the past, reappointing Sir Graham Henry after the 2007 World Cup disaster ahead of challenger Robbie Deans.

Sir Steve Hansen, a previous All Blacks assistant, took over from Henry.

NZR then chose Foster, who had worked under head Hansen, over Robertson when Hansen stepped down following he 2019 World Cup, where the All Blacks finished third following a semi-final defeat to England.

Incoming NZR board chair Dame Patsy Reddy deflected when asked if the next All Blacks coach would be known by the time she was in place in her role at the end of January.

However, it’s possible Ian Foster and the public could know who the next coach will be before the incumbent even leaves for the World Cup in France, which starts next September.

“There is no definite timeline at the moment,” Robinson said.

“We’ll communicate as soon as we’re ready and as soon as we think it’s the right thing to do so. When we are ready to articulate and communicate a timeline, if we think that’s appropriate, we will.”