Crusader boss Scott Robertson has made a stunning revelation, saying New Zealand Rugby (NZR) could make an announcement about the process to appoint the next All Blacks head coach “in the coming days”.
Robertson, who is widely tipped to succeed Ian Foster for the All Blacks position after this year’s World Cup, spoke at a Crusaders press conference in Christchurch on Wednesday and when asked if he was happy with the plan, Robertson laughed before he said, “I haven’t signed anything yet.”
NZR disputes Robertson’s claim
However, the NZR issued a statement shortly after the interview with Robertson saying “New Zealand rugby continues to have internal discussions, but an announcement on the All Blacks’ head coach or trial is not imminent.”
Regardless of when the announcement of the next All Blacks coach is made by the NZR, Robertson is clearly aware of their plan and that recommendation should be endorsed later this month.
‘I’ve had a lot of patience. I think where we are now, that’s what we have to deal with, not what happened… the next two weeks are important,” he said.
It was recently reported in the New Zealand media that the NZR board will decide this month whether to appoint the All Blacks head coach after 2023, before or after the upcoming Rugby World Cup in France.
There is growing belief in the country that the governing body will make that announcement before Foster takes the team to this year’s global showpiece, which kicks off when the All Blacks meet France at the Stade de France in Paris on Friday, September 8.
“Whatever their process, they just have to give me enough break-in time when they go. And I can do my job here at Rugby Park,” Robertson said.
“It’s part of it, at one point it could have only been 10 days and I was coaching a test match. Whatever the lead up, whatever the time, I’ll deal with it.
That was a reference to being lined up to take over All Blacks coaching after some poor results in 2022, only for Foster to save his job when his team bounced back and beat the Springboks in Johannesburg during the Rugby Championship last August. .
That meant Robertson, who has won six Super Rugby titles with the Crusaders since joining them as head coach in 2017, had to weigh his options as several other countries were interested in acquiring his services.
The 48-year-old has a contract until 2024, with an exit clause at the end of 2023, and along with fellow candidate Jamie Joseph, he has called on the NZR to buck the trend and name the new All Blacks coach for the World Cup. .
“Our work is result-driven, governed and people have to make decisions, and you live with that,” Robertson said of the past six months.
“I think my integrity is very important. Well, it’s for me, and to make sure I always live by those standards. I have to trust their process and take a deep breath when I need to, and it will all work out.”
England and Australia are among the other countries Robertson has been associated with in the past. He confirmed that, but said his preference has always been to stay in New Zealand and coach the All Blacks.
Aimed at the Crusaders
Meanwhile, the former All Blacks back row prepares for what should be his final season as leader of the Crusaders, who begin their pre-season campaign against the Highlanders in Weston on Friday.
“Enjoy today. It’s a big part of my life coming in here, I’ve been coming here half my life as a player and a coach,” Robertson said of his thinking.
“I have great relationships and it means a lot to me. Most importantly, I want to set up this team to be as successful as possible.
READ MORE: All Blacks: Veteran duo Beauden Barrett and Aaron Smith sign for Toyota Verblitz
The article New Zealand: Scott Robertson Makes Stunning All Blacks Coaching Reveal appeared first on Planetrugby.com.