Overview
- New Zealand Rugby announced a five‑person appointment panel of David Kirk, Keven Mealamu, Don Tricker, interim CEO Steve Lancaster and a yet‑to‑be‑named recently retired All Black.
- Eligibility is limited to New Zealand coaches with prior international head‑coaching experience, with AP reporting the requirement specifically includes test‑level experience and New Zealand nationality.
- Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt has informed NZR he will not be a candidate, and Tony Brown remains committed to South Africa, leaving Jamie Joseph and Dave Rennie as prominent reported options.
- Robertson exited effective Jan. 15 after an end‑of‑year review led by Kirk, Tricker and Mealamu concluded the program was not on track, despite a 20‑win, 27‑Test record.
- Robertson’s assistants Jason Ryan, Tamati Ellison and Scott Hansen remain under contract, as debate continues over player influence and NZR transparency, including commentary from Eddie Jones and reports involving Ardie Savea.