Crusaders coach Scott Robertson interested in All Blacks job as he waits for Steve Hansen to make his move
Joe Schmidt’s decision to take time out of the game after the 2019 Rugby World Cup for family reasons leaves Robertson, Warren Gatland and Ian Foster to content for the All Blacks job - if Hansen leaves
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Canterbury Crusaders coach Scott Robertson will wait for New Zealand counterpart Steve Hansen to make a decision on his future before taking a “good look” at the All Blacks role.
Hansen, who guided New Zealand to a World Cup triumph in 2015 and is contracted until the end of next year’s tournament in Japan, is expected to announce his long-term plans in the coming weeks.
Ireland coach Joe Schmidt was widely touted as a potential successor to Hansen but the New Zealander announced on Monday that he would quit coaching after the Japan World Cup to focus on his family.
Robertson, who guided the Crusaders to back-to-back Super Rugby titles in the last two years, is out of contract at the end of 2019 and seen as a strong candidate to replace Hansen, along with Wales coach Warren Gatland and All Blacks assistant Ian Foster.
“The All Blacks job doesn’t come up too often. When it does, you have to have a real good look at it,” Robertson, who has coached New Zealand’s under-20 side, told local media on Tuesday.
“The decision from Steve (Hansen) will play a really big part of it.
“The biggest thing for me, that’s served me well, is the patience side of it, and the ability to get your timing right.
“I’ve got a great job at the moment and I’ve got a big decision in the next three or four months -- what’s going to happen in 2020, and I’ll just see where the cards fall with other coaches and just see what opportunities there are.”
Schmidt has transformed second-ranked Ireland into genuine World Cup contenders and a team without fear of the All Blacks, who they beat 16-9 in Dublin earlier this month.
However, former All Blacks loose forward Robertson sympathised with Schmidt’s decision to bow out after Japan.
“He’s a great coach, and obviously he’s made a family decision,” Robertson said.
“He might just need a year or two before he fills the tank again, but I know international rugby does take its toll.
“It’s rare that you go out on your own terms, and he’s gone out on his own terms this time. Good on him. It’s a big call and he’s done the right thing for him and his family.”
Reuters
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments