Johannesburg – New Zealand Rugby has parted ways with coach Scott Robertson just 24 months into his four-year contract.
New Zealand Rugby confirmed Robertson’s departure on Thursday, 15 January 2026.
Robertson received an underwhelming 2025 end-of-season review, despite his 74% win rate across 27 Tests—including 10 wins from 13 in 2025.
Shock losses to South Africa, Argentina, and England, coupled with player concerns over strategy and selections, prompted the mutual decision at the World Cup cycle’s midpoint.
New Zealand Rugby chair David Kirk emphasised it was best for the team, with no changes to the wider staff and a replacement search underway ahead of a busy 2026 schedule.
Highlanders’ Jamie Joseph leads candidates as the program eyes stability before the 2027 World Cup.
