New Zealand Rugby (NZR) has confirmed that the next All Blacks head coach must have prior experience at Test level, setting a clear benchmark as the search begins to replace Scott Robertson.
Robertson was dismissed in January, just two years into his four-year contract, following a damning internal review of the All Blacks’ 2025 season. The findings of that review ultimately led NZR to make a change at the top.
A five-person panel has been appointed to oversee the recruitment process. NZR chairman David Kirk will lead the group, alongside former All Black Keven Mealamu, former NZR head of high performance Don Tricker, acting chief executive Steve Lancaster, and another former All Black whose identity is yet to be announced.
Kirk, Mealamu and Tricker were all involved in the review that resulted in Robertson’s removal. Kirk and Mealamu also interviewed current players during the process, with reports indicating that some were critical of Robertson’s coaching methods.
NZR’s requirement that the successful candidate must have coached at international level narrows the field considerably. Among those who meet the criteria are former Japan head coach Jamie Joseph, who previously led the Highlanders; former Wallabies coach Dave Rennie, who has coached the Chiefs and the Blues; and current Blues coach Vern Cotter, who has Test experience with both Scotland and Fiji. Only New Zealanders are eligible to apply.
Current Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt has already ruled himself out of contention.
“The All Blacks head coach is an incredibly important appointment,” said Lancaster. “We’ve started the process and are giving it the care and urgency it deserves to set the team up for success. We’ll provide further updates as soon as we can.”
NZR is expected to move swiftly, with the focus now firmly on appointing a leader capable of restoring confidence and guiding the All Blacks into their next chapter.
English