‘Bizarre’ details emerge about All Blacks coach axing

In mid January, New Zealand Rugby dropped some bombshell news when it was confirmed that head coach Scott Robertson had been abruptly axed after months of internal tension and reports of a player revolt.

Under Robertson, the All Blacks recorded 20 wins from 27 matches for a 74% success rate, but there were some shock defeats along the way that saw many begin to question whether the three-time World Cup champions were losing their ‘aura’.

However, the decision to rip up Robertson’s contract after just two years in charge was an unusual move for New Zealand Rugby.

Fallout continues after axing of All Blacks coach

Robertson previously stated that he was “gutted by this outcome” after learning of his fate, but former All Blacks captain Justin Marshall has now revealed how brutally the 51-year-old was let go.

“I’ve caught up with Razor, since what happened, all on that really bizarre day,” Marshall said on The Good, The Bad & The Rugby podcast.

“Seeing him, probably about 10 days after that, was difficult. As we know, he wears his heart on his sleeve, Razor, and he cares about every team he coaches.

“And in particular, his biggest passion was to coach the All Blacks. So to have to be told on that day, like everybody else, you know…

“He got told at the same time as the story was unfolding – that he would no longer be the All Blacks coach – was something that took him massively by surprise. Because, obviously, he was getting told when the rest of the world was being told.

“He had no heads up and then there was no ability to, have any more conversations. The decision was made and taken out of his control.”

What’s next?

New Zealand Rugby are now going through a meticulous process to find Robertson’s successor, but even that seems to have been complicated with delays and mixed decision-making.

Dave Rennie and Jamie Joseph are widely regarded as the leading contenders to take over.