Overview
- New Zealand Rugby confirmed Robertson’s departure and said the process to appoint a new head coach begins immediately.
- The end‑of‑season review led by chair David Kirk with Keven Mealamu and Don Tricker recorded strong criticism from senior players, including of Robertson and senior assistant Scott Hansen, with media reporting some threatened to quit.
- Ardie Savea is reported to be seriously unhappy with the environment and is exploring overseas options that would jeopardize his All Blacks eligibility under current selection rules.
- Robertson said he was “gutted” and agreed to cut short his contract after reflecting on feedback from the review.
- A poor 2025 featuring a first away loss to Argentina, a record 43-10 defeat to South Africa and a loss to England underpins the change, while a packed 2026—Nations Championship and a four‑Test Springboks tour—adds urgency; reports identify Jamie Joseph as a leading candidate.