Breakdancing Crusaders supremo Scott Robertson has been named as the next All Blacks coach and will take the reins from Ian Foster next year.
Robertson has won a record six Super Rugby titles with the Crusaders and also enjoyed previous success coaching Canterbury and the New Zealand under-20s.
The 48-year-old beat another former All Blacks loose forward, Jamie Joseph, to the job.
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“It’s an honour to be named as the next All Blacks head coach,” Robertson said.
“It’s a job that comes with a huge amount of responsibility, but I’m excited by the opportunity to make a contribution to the legacy of the black jersey.
“To represent your country, as a coach or player, is the ultimate honour in sport and it’s humbling to be given that opportunity. I can’t wait.”
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Joseph led the Highlanders to their only Super Rugby title in 2015 before replacing Eddie Jones as Japan coach in 2016.
Under his guidance, Japan reached the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals for the first time when they hosted the tournament in 2019.
Incumbent coach Foster announced earlier this month that he would not seek to extend his stay beyond this year’s World Cup.
Foster, who was promoted to the job after the 2019 World Cup, voiced his displeasure at New Zealand Rugby’s process, suggesting it would be destabilising for the team.
“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,” Foster said.
“That hasn’t happened but we will accept the decision and move on... I won’t be reapplying for the job of head coach.”
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Current assistant coach Joe Schmidt – who previously led Ireland – also did not apply.
Robertson has been appointed until the 2027 World Cup in Australia.
“Having significant time to plan for 2024 and beyond is crucial to setting the All Blacks up for success during the next World Cup cycle,” he said.
“I have a job to do with the Crusaders and that will be my main focus through to the completion of Super Rugby, but I will now have the opportunity to work with NZR to get some key appointments in my coaching and management team finalised, so we can hit the ground running next year.”
Robertson’s appointment was confirmed at an NZR board meeting on Tuesday.
“His coaching record speaks for itself in terms of success, but what came through strongly during the interview process was his innovative approach to the game, his passion for his players, and his desire to add to the All Blacks legacy,” NZR chief executive Mark Robinson said.
“We firmly believe he is the right person to lead the team in 2024 and beyond.”
The position of All Blacks coach is considered close to that of the New Zealand prime minister in terms of pressure and expectation.
“We were very happy with the calibre and quality of the people involved and would like to thank all of those who took part in the process,” NZR chair Dame Patsy Reddy said.
“The decision to appoint the next All Blacks head coach ahead of the Rugby World Cup was not taken lightly, but we believe it was the right decision for New Zealand Rugby and the All Blacks and will set the team up for future success.
“We congratulate Scott on his appointment and look forward to working together in 2024, but have also been clear that New Zealand Rugby’s full support this year will be focused on the current All Blacks coaching team as we look toward the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.”
Robertson is yet to name his coaching team and support staff.
“We’ll start those conversations but I’ve got my preferred group,” he said.
Robertson said he spoke to Foster before taking the job.
“Look we’re very professional in that regard. The coaching profession is really brutal – my first thing is to pick up the phone and be a man first before anything else.”
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