Overview
- NZR confirmed Robertson’s exit two years into a four-year deal, with chair David Kirk saying both parties agreed it was in the team’s best interests.
- The review followed a poor 2025 that included record defeats and gathered strong feedback from senior players, with reports of at least one veteran declining a late call-up.
- The panel involved Kirk, Keven Mealamu, and Don Tricker, and coverage highlighted concerns over coaching authority, culture, and direction.
- Ardie Savea is reported to be considering extending his stay in Japan or a move to Europe, which would make him ineligible for the All Blacks under selection rules, though he remains contracted to NZR until 2027 and Irish reports downplayed a Leinster switch.
- NZR has begun a search for a new coach, with multiple outlets tipping Jamie Joseph as a leading candidate, as the All Blacks face a four-Test series against South Africa and the inaugural Nations Championship in 2026.